A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reinstate the registration process of Access Party (AP) and issue the party with an access code required to complete its registration.
The judgment, delivered on Wednesday by Justice Obiora Atuegwu Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, followed a suit filed by Dr. Audu Bulama Bukarti and Mr. Mevon Samuel on behalf of Access Party members against INEC and the Democratic Leadership Party (DLP).
Access Party had submitted its application for registration on December 23, 2024. However, INEC later discontinued the process, citing concerns that the party's proposed logo resembled that of the DLP, an unregistered political association.
The applicants challenged the decision, arguing that the logos were clearly different and that INEC had no legal basis to rely on the identity of an unregistered association to reject a registration request that complied with constitutional and statutory requirements.
In its ruling, the court held that INEC acted beyond its powers when it halted the registration process. The court declared the commission's letter dated September 12, 2025, unlawful and inconsistent with Sections 40, 222 and 224 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and Section 79 of the Electoral Act 2022.
Justice Egwuatu also ruled that Access Party's proposed logo is distinct, suitable and compliant with relevant legal provisions governing political party registration.
The court further held that INEC's reliance on the logo of an unregistered association as grounds for discontinuing the application was arbitrary, unreasonable and contrary to the principles of natural justice.
Consequently, the court set aside INEC's September 12, 2025 letter and directed the commission to resume Access Party's registration process.
The court ordered INEC to issue the party with the necessary access code to enable it complete and submit Form EC 15A(1) and other required documents, including its constitution, manifesto, membership register and records relating to the election of its National Executive Committee.
In addition, the court awarded N500,000 in costs against INEC.
Reacting to the judgment, Bukarti described the decision as a significant affirmation of citizens' constitutional right to political participation.
He said the ruling underscored the obligation of public institutions to operate within the limits of the law and expressed confidence that Access Party would now proceed with its registration and participate in Nigeria's political process.
