INEC says ADA failed to meet basic rules for political party registration in Nigeria.
The group’s errors include wrong address and missing documents despite high-profile speculation.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) has not fulfilled the statutory conditions required to register as a political party in Nigeria, revealing significant lapses in the group’s application process.
This was disclosed by Sam Olumekun, INEC National Commissioner and Chair of the Information and Voter Education Committee, during a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday. According to Olumekun, ADA request failed to meet even the basic legal thresholds laid out in the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC’s internal guidelines.
“At the moment, we have received many expressions of interest, but none qualify as a formal application,” Olumekun stated.
Key errors in ADA application
INEC identified a series of procedural and legal missteps in ADA’s application. Most glaringly, the party’s letter, dated June 19 and signed by its pro tem leadership Akin Ricketts (Chairman) and Abdullahi Musa Elayo (Secretary) was addressed to the wrong agency. Instead of writing to the “Independent National Electoral Commission,” the group mistakenly addressed it to the “Independent National Commission,” a critical oversight in official documentation.
Moreover, ADA failed to provide several key legal documents required for consideration. These include:
- Evidence of a functional national headquarters
- Verifiable signatures from at least 24 states
- A complete set of documentation as specified under the Electoral Act
Olumekun confirmed that without these essentials, ADA submission cannot be considered a legitimate application.
High-profile speculation, but no official affiliations
Despite its administrative shortcomings, ADA has stirred political speculation due to rumored links to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Senate President David Mark, former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi, and 2023 presidential contender Peter Obi. However, no official confirmations have been made by any of the named figures.
Reacting to this, INEC emphasised that political influence or rumoured endorsements have no bearing on party registration. “The law not speculation or personalities governs our process,” Olumekun clarified.
INEC to convene meeting with stakeholders
To provide more insight into the registration process and ongoing electoral reforms, INEC will hold a consultative meeting on Thursday with leaders of the 19 currently registered political parties. The session will also include civil society organizations, media representatives, and security agencies, under the umbrella of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).
The meeting will be co-chaired by INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, as part of the Commission’s efforts to ensure transparency, security, and accountability in Nigeria’s electoral process.
ADA next steps unclear
With INEC stance made clear, it remains uncertain whether ADA intends to revise and resubmit its application in accordance with legal standards. For now, the party remains unrecognized and unauthorized to operate in Nigeria’s political space.
As Nigeria edges closer to future elections, INEC insistence on strict legal compliance sends a strong message to emerging political groups: without due process, no amount of high-profile association or public interest can guarantee legitimacy.
