The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has secured a Federal High Court judgment compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to upload and recognise the party’s modified digital logo for electoral and other official purposes.
Leader of the NDC, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, announced the development in a statement he personally signed, describing the judgement as a vindication of the party’s position following a dispute with the electoral commission over which of its logos should be officially recognised.
According to Dickson, the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja and presided over by Justice J. O. Abdulmalik granted the prayers of the NDC in its suit seeking to compel INEC to use the modified digital logo contained in the party’s constitution rather than the association logo under which the political platform was originally registered.
He said the NDC had approved the modified logo at its first National Executive Committee meeting and subsequently forwarded it to INEC.
Dickson said the commission initially uploaded the new logo but later removed it without communicating any reason to the party and reverted to the old association logo.
The NDC disagreed with the decision and, according to its leader, gave INEC sufficient time to rectify the situation before resorting to litigation.
“We therefore commend the judiciary for its timely intervention and welcome the judgement directing INEC to forthwith upload and utilise our modified digital logo,” Dickson said.
He described the ruling as an affirmation of the NDC’s legitimate position and a victory for due process.
Following the judgement, Dickson directed all NDC candidates and party members to immediately adopt the constitutionally approved logo on posters, banners and other campaign and publicity materials.
He acknowledged that some candidates may already have produced campaign materials carrying the previous logo and expressed regret over any inconvenience the transition might cause.
Dickson, however, explained that both designs retain the NDC’s two-finger victory sign, while insisting that candidates should henceforth use the modified digital version because it is the authentic logo contained in the party’s constitution and, according to him, the more widely recognised of the two.
The former Bayelsa State governor also sought to reassure party members amid concerns generated by the disagreement with INEC, saying there was no reason for panic.
“I want to assure everyone that the party has experienced and strategic leaders who understand what we are doing,” he said. “Members are free to raise questions and concerns, but there is absolutely no reason for panic.”
Dickson described the controversy surrounding the logo as part of what he called “administrative machinations” confronting the opposition party, declaring that the NDC would continue to challenge actions it considered inimical to its interests through democratic and lawful means.
“We are democratic fighters. We do not run away from battles,” he declared.
He added that the party regarded the court decision as another judicial vindication of its position.
Dickson consequently directed the NDC and all its candidates to use only the constitutionally approved modified digital logo in campaign and party-related materials going forward.
He said the party would launch a publicity and voter-sensitisation campaign to familiarise members, candidates, and the electorate with the approved symbol ahead of the elections.
The NDC leader thanked party members, candidates, and supporters for their patience and steadfastness throughout the dispute, assuring them that the leadership remained focused on its political objectives.
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