INEC Accused of Failing to Register All Democratic Alliance

The All Democratic Alliance (ADA) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of refusing to register the party despite its compliance with all registration requirements. According to Umar Ardo, the party’s chief promoter, ADA submitted every necessary document to INEC. In an interview with Arise Television, Ardo said that INEC failed to register any of the associations that applied—including ADA—although the party satisfied every criterion.

Ardo noted that INEC usually issues a press release after its meetings to inform Nigerians of its decisions, but in this instance the commission remained silent. He explained that out of 172 associations that submitted letters of intent, INEC screened the list down to 14 and collected administrative fees from them. ADA was among those 14 and paid the required N2 million fee. The party then applied through INEC’s dedicated portal and was pre‑qualified alongside seven other associations.

Following pre‑qualification, INEC conducted an office verification of ADA and found the party’s premises well‑equipped with the necessary infrastructure. ADA also met the requirement of having a presence in at least 24 states and the Federal Capital Territory, maintaining representatives in all 36 states and the FCT. Ardo expressed surprise that INEC never contacted the party for additional information, despite acknowledging the application and stating it would do so if needed.

The ADA promoter questioned the commission’s decision not to register the party, citing a lack of transparency and communication. Registering new political parties is a critical component of Nigeria’s electoral process, and INEC’s refusal to register ADA carries significant implications for the country’s democratic landscape. Stakeholders and the international community will closely monitor the commission’s actions as Nigeria prepares for future elections. The accusation underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in the electoral process, ensuring that all parties are treated fairly and in accordance with the law.