INEC had earlier uploaded the new logo but later allegedly replaced it with the old one without communicating with the NDC.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Nigeria’s electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has been ordered by a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, the nation’s capital, to upload and use the digitally modified logo of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
This was made known on Wednesday in a statement issued by the NDC leader and former Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson.
According to the NDC chieftain, the judgment, delivered by Justice J.O. Abdulmalik, followed a suit filed by the party to compel INEC to recognise and use the modified logo contained in its constitution, instead of the association logo with which it was initially registered.
He noted that the NDC’s first National Executive Council (NEC) meeting approved and forwarded the modified logo to INEC, which initially uploaded it.
He, however, said the commission later removed the modified logo without communicating any reason to the party and reverted to the old association logo.
Dickson said the party subsequently approached the court after INEC failed to resolve the matter, despite being given sufficient time to do so.
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He welcomed the court’s decision, describing it as a vindication of the party’s position and a reaffirmation of due process.
The federal lawmaker urged NDC candidates and members to immediately begin using the constitutionally approved, modified digital logo on campaign materials, including banners, posters, and other publicity materials.
Dickson said both logos retained the two-finger victory sign, but insisted that the modified logo was the authentic logo provided for in the party’s constitution and the one more widely recognised.
“We understand that some candidates and party members may have already made arrangements using the other logo, and we regret the inconvenience this may have caused,” he said.
“However, both logos retain the two-finger victory sign. Candidates should now transition to the logo approved in our party’s constitution, which is the authentic party logo and, indeed, the one that is more widely recognised.”
Dickson described the dispute over the logo as part of what he called “administrative machinations” the party had continued to face.
