ABUJA — The Independent National Electoral Commission has said it will review a certified copy of a Federal High Court judgment affecting the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress before deciding on its next course of action. INEC said it had seen reports about the ruling but had not yet received the Certified True Copy required for its legal department to conduct a detailed review. The position followed a Federal High Court judgment in Lokoja, Kogi State, which set aside an earlier decision directing INEC to register the NDC as a political party. The court's decision has become part of a wider legal and political dispute over the party's registration and the use of its identifying symbols. INEC is responsible for registering political parties that meet the requirements established by Nigerian law. Its decisions can have significant consequences for political organisations, particularly as parties prepare for future elections. The commission must therefore ensure that its actions are supported by the applicable law and court decisions. Waiting for the certified ruling before acting allows INEC to understand the precise orders made by the court. Court judgments can contain specific directions that differ from summaries circulated in the media. Legal institutions and public bodies generally rely on certified documents when implementing judicial decisions. The NDC has rejected the ruling and said it intends to appeal. The party maintains that it remains legally recognised and plans to challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal. The dispute illustrates the role that the courts can play in Nigeria's electoral process. Political parties operate within a legal framework that includes registration requirements, internal rules and electoral regulations. When disagreements arise, judicial review provides a mechanism for resolving questions of law. The matter also comes as political activity increases ahead of the 2027 general elections. New and existing political organisations are seeking to position themselves for the next electoral cycle. Questions about party registration can therefore become politically significant. For INEC, however, the immediate responsibility is to follow the law and comply with valid judicial orders. The commission's legal review is expected to determine the practical implications of the judgment. Political parties and candidates need certainty about their legal status before beginning formal electoral activities. Uncertainty can affect planning, fundraising, candidate selection and mobilisation. The case also highlights the importance of clear judicial processes in electoral matters. Parties need access to the courts when they believe their rights have been affected, while electoral authorities need clear instructions when court decisions alter existing arrangements. The Appeal Court may ultimately have to determine the dispute if the NDC proceeds with its challenge. Until then, INEC's decision to review the certified judgment before acting reflects the procedural steps expected of an electoral management body. The development demonstrates how legal decisions can influence political competition well before an election takes place. It also reinforces the importance of allowing electoral institutions to make decisions based on official documents rather than competing political interpretations. As Nigeria approaches another electoral cycle, the handling of party registration disputes will remain an important test of confidence in the country's electoral institutions.