Abuja — The Nigeria Democratic Congress has filed a fresh lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission, accusing the electoral body of delaying the upload of biometric data for millions of newly registered voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.In the suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the NDC is asking the court to order INEC to immediately publish the complete voter register, including the details of more than 8.2 million Nigerians who registered between January and April 2026.
The party, represented by lawyer Vincent Ottaokpukpu, argues that any further delay violates Section 9 of the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended) and infringes on citizens’ constitutional rights to participate in the democratic process. Court documents describe the alleged inaction as a deliberate move that could disenfranchise first-time and younger voters.
The case, numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/712/2026, names INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and the Attorney-General of the Federation as defendants.At a brief hearing on Thursday before Justice Emeka Nwite, counsel for the NDC requested an expedited hearing, citing the statutory timeline for publication of the final voter register by July 2026. Lawyers for INEC sought and received two weeks to file a response.
The court adjourned the matter to May 22 for substantive hearing.The NDC, which received formal registration from INEC on Feb. 5, 2026, has positioned itself as an emerging third force in Nigerian politics. The party says it has established structures across all 774 local government areas and plans to field candidates for every elective position in next year’s polls.This latest suit comes days after the party filed a separate challenge to certain provisions of the newly signed Electoral Act 2026, with a hearing scheduled for May 25 before another judge.
Political analysts view the legal actions as part of a broader strategy by the NDC to assert its role in shaping electoral rules and procedures as the 2027 election cycle approaches.INEC has not yet issued a public comment on the new lawsuit.Related Coverage Court Sets May 25 Hearing Date in NDC Challenge to Electoral Act Provisions
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NNH News Corp will continue to monitor developments in this case
