African Alliance Party Sues INEC Over Rival’s Registration
Legal action challenges the electoral commission’s approval of the National Democratic Congress.
The African Alliance Party (AAP) has filed a lawsuit against Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), seeking to nullify the registration of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). The suit alleges that INEC improperly registered the NDC in place of the AAP, violating established procedures for political party recognition.
According to an AAP statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq, the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) authorized legal action after concluding that the NDC’s registration on February 5, 2026, was unlawful. The AAP claims it was the first of two associations approved for registration by INEC in December 2025, under Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, but was later replaced by the NDC without justification.
The party asserts that the NDC did not meet key prerequisites: it was not among the 14 pre-qualified associations, failed to upload documents to INEC’s portal, did not pay required administrative fees, and was not part of the verification exercise. The AAP, which completed all steps, accuses INEC of “contrived” exclusion and warns that the decision undermines electoral integrity and inclusivity.
In the lawsuit, the AAP demands the immediate deregistration of the NDC, describing it as a necessary step to “sanitise the democratic system.” The party also criticizes Prof. Amupitan, suggesting his actions raise questions about his capacity and impartiality as Nigeria’s chief electoral officer. “Registration of a political party is not a discretionary gift,” the statement noted, urging INEC to align with legal standards and international best practices.
The case highlights ongoing tensions within Nigeria’s electoral framework, where party registration disputes have periodically surfaced amid preparations for future elections. The AAP argues that procedural compliance is essential for credible polls, calling on INEC to reverse what it terms an “assault on the electoral process.”
As the legal challenge proceeds, the outcome could set a precedent for how INEC evaluates and approves political parties. Observers note that the dispute underscores broader concerns about transparency in electoral administration, a critical issue as Nigeria continues to strengthen its democratic institutions. The world, the AAP asserts, is watching how the commission handles the matter.
