All Democratic Alliance Denies Peter Obi Links, Vows Court Action Over INEC Rejection
The promoter of the proposed All Democratic Alliance (ADA), Umar Ardo, has denied allegations that the party is sponsored by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi. Ardo also announced that the party will challenge the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) refusal to register it in court.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show, Ardo described the rumours linking ADA to Obi as “false and misleading.” He stated that speculation about Obi’s involvement was the reason INEC allegedly hesitated to approve the party’s registration. “One of the allegations… is that ADA is Peter Obi’s own political party, that Peter Obi will be coming back into ADA. And therefore, because of the political undertone, ADA should not be registered. This is not true,” Ardo said.
He clarified that even if Obi were involved, it would be constitutionally permissible. “Is he not a Nigerian? Does he not have the right to sponsor a political party?” Ardo questioned, while emphasizing he has never met or discussed the matter with Obi.
Ardo asserted that ADA’s promoters have fulfilled all legal requirements for registration. He expressed disappointment with INEC’s denial, saying the commission provided no justifiable reason. “For us to meet all this and then they said no, we will keep quiet. Let the courts determine. That is our position,” he stated.
The party plans to seek legal redress immediately, with intentions to pursue the case through the courts, potentially up to the Supreme Court if necessary. Ardo stressed that the primary goal is to establish that INEC’s refusal was unjustified, regardless of whether ADA participates in the next election cycle. “We just want to prove a point that we have met all the requirements of the law, and for no just reason, INEC refused to register us,” he explained.
This legal challenge highlights ongoing tensions between new political entities and Nigeria’s electoral body over registration criteria. The outcome could set a significant precedent for party formation and INEC’s discretionary powers ahead of future general elections.
