The Federal High Court, Abuja Division, has affirmed the Citizens Democratic Alliance (CDA) as a duly registered political party and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue the Party’s Certificate of Registration.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu delivered the judgment on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2787/25 filed by Tamunotonye Samuel Solomon Inioribo and two others against INEC.
The suit arose from INEC’s rejection of CDA’s application for registration in December 2025, despite the association having earlier received provisional approval to proceed with formal registration, submitted all required documents and information, and undergone verification of its leadership, officers, and national headquarters by the Commission.
In the action, the applicants contended that they had complied with all constitutional and statutory requirements for registration and challenged the legality of INEC’s decision.
In his judgment, Justice Egwuatu upheld the applicants’ case and ordered INEC to issue a Certificate of Registration to the Citizens Democratic Alliance (CDA).
The decision is expected to have significant implications for political party registration, electoral administration, and the enforcement of statutory timelines under the Electoral Act.
The Citizens Democratic Alliance is a progressive social democratic political movement committed to democratic reform, constitutional restructuring, economic transformation, institutional accountability, and inclusive national development.
