Two Logos, One Party: NDC’s Identity Crisis Deepens Ahead of Elections

Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC)

Two Logos, One Party: NDC’s Identity Crisis Deepens Ahead of Elections

ABUJA, NIGERIA – A finding conducted by Tribune Online has revealed inconsistencies in the use of the official logo of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) , with noticeable differences between the version displayed on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) platform and those currently in circulation across media and campaign spaces . The review indicates that while one version of the NDC logo is hosted on INEC’s official platform as the recognised party symbol, a different version continues to appear widely in public-facing materials, including media publications and campaign-related visuals .

The discrepancy raises questions about standardisation of party identity , particularly in an electoral environment where visual symbols play a central role in voter recognition and ballot identification. In electoral practice, party logos often serve as key identifiers for voters, especially for individuals with limited political literacy or those encountering party materials for the first time. Any variation in such symbols, therefore, introduces the possibility of confusion during elections . One of the notable descriptions referenced in the course of the findings captured the concern succinctly: “What’s on the INEC platform is different from what is generally in use. This is where confusion will set in, especially with people who have zero idea about the popular logo in the media,” an X user with the handle @AnazaHerbert wrote . The inconsistency suggests a gap between the officially registered party symbol and its public usage, pointing to the need for closer alignment between both versions to ensure uniform recognition. At present, both versions remain in circulation ahead of future electoral activities, with the disparity yet to be formally addressed .

The NDC, which officially received its certificate of registration from INEC in February 2026 , has had a tortuous journey to registration that dates back to 2017 . According to the party’s National Leader and former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Seriake Dickson , the NDC was among 171 political organisations that initially applied for registration . However, the process stalled when INEC, under its former chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, suspended the registration of new political parties . When INEC later lifted the embargo, the NDC revived its application and was listed alongside the other associations. However, the party received a letter from INEC stating that its application was declined because its proposed logo—a two-finger sign —was similar to that of the All Progressives Congress (APC) broom . Dickson described the decision as shocking and unjust, noting that the party even offered to change the logo but was denied the opportunity.

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The NDC subsequently approached the Federal High Court to challenge INEC’s decision. According to the party’s National Legal Adviser, Reuben Egwuaba, the court not only upheld that the NDC logo was distinct from that of the APC but also noted that the second association INEC had cited as having a similar logo was not even a registered entity . The court subsequently directed INEC to register the NDC and proclaimed the party registered . Dickson emphasized that INEC did not appeal the judgment and that the period for appeal has elapsed. “No one, except INEC, has the locus standi to appeal the judgement. The judgment has been enforced by INEC and there’s nothing to appeal anymore,” he stated .

However, the controversy surrounding the NDC has refused to die down. The promoter of the Alliance for Democratic Action (ADA) , Dr. Umar Ardo , has consistently opposed the registration of the NDC, alleging that the group failed to comply with due constitutional and electoral procedures . In a recent interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show, Ardo explained that before registering a political party, an association must write a letter of intent to INEC . He claimed that INEC rejected the NDC’s initial request on the grounds that its logo was similar to those of existing political parties. According to Ardo, instead of challenging the decision in court within 14 days as required by law, the NDC wrote back to INEC requesting reconsideration . Ardo further alleged that the NDC eventually went to court using only its initial letter of intent, arguing that this was insufficient to establish compliance with the Electoral Act. He stated that associations seeking registration must complete Form EC15 and upload required documents, including the party constitution, manifesto, list of national executives, and evidence of fee payment, on INEC’s portal. “NDC did not pay. NDC did not fill that form. NDC did not do anything. NDC just took one letter to court,” Ardo stated . He maintained that INEC ought to have resisted and appealed the court judgment that favoured the NDC.

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In response, Senator Dickson dismissed Ardo’s claims as “misguided and sponsored propaganda” . He provided a detailed timeline, explaining that the NDC’s registration process began in 2017, long before Ardo contemplated registering a political party. Dickson accused INEC of initially declining the party’s application because its proposed two-finger logo was allegedly similar to the APC’s broom, a claim he described as shocking . “We wrote to INEC to assert our right to sue the electoral umpire. The court enforced our rights to freedom of association, deemed us registered, and directed INEC to register us,” Dickson said . He emphasized that INEC did not appeal the judgment and that the period for appeal has elapsed, arguing that no individual or group has the legal standing to challenge the party’s registration . Dickson also noted that the NDC is not the only party registered through a court order, citing the example of the NDP, which was registered under similar circumstances .

Upon receiving its certificate of registration, the NDC gave the mandatory 21-day notice to INEC, which observed the party’s first National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, confirming its officers and setting dates for congresses and primaries . The party continues to gain momentum, with Dickson noting that Nigerians from across the country and in the diaspora are registering massively . However, with two versions of the party’s logo now in circulation and the disparity yet to be formally addressed by INEC or the party leadership, questions remain about the potential for voter confusion as the country prepares for future electoral activities.