The Kogi State High Court has dismissed as false a social media report claiming it ordered the deregistration of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), insisting it never heard or determined any case relating to the registration or deregistration of the party or any other political party.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Lokoja, the court’s Chief Information Officer, Saqeeb Saeed, described the publication as misleading and urged the public to disregard it.
According to the statement, the viral post was accompanied by photographs of the Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Josiah Majebi, and former Governor Yahaya Bello, creating the false impression that the alleged ruling originated from the state High Court.
The court stressed that it would not normally respond to such publications but decided to issue a clarification to prevent misinformation and protect the integrity of the judiciary.
It warned that the report was capable of undermining public confidence in the judicial system and called on content creators and media users to verify information before publishing or sharing it.
The court also cautioned that the circulation of false information capable of damaging the reputation of judges, the High Court of Justice, or other courts under its supervision would no longer be tolerated.
It reaffirmed its commitment to administering justice fairly, diligently and without fear or favour.
Background to the Controversy
The clarification comes weeks after Justice Isah Dashen of the Kogi State High Court set aside an earlier judgment that reportedly deregistered the NDC.
Justice Dashen ruled that the earlier decision could not stand because all parties with an interest in the matter were not given an opportunity to be heard.
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The court upheld an application filed by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), declaring it a necessary party to the suit.
According to the judge, the earlier judgment was constitutionally flawed because it was delivered without hearing all relevant parties, rendering the proceedings null and void.
He also held that material facts were withheld during the earlier proceedings, providing further grounds to vacate the judgment.
Justice Dashen consequently restored the status quo that existed before the December 2025 ruling pending the hearing of the substantive suit.
He directed that the case should commence afresh, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Peace Movement Party and the National Democratic Congress joined as parties to the proceedings.
Source: NAN
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.