NDC’s alleged registration irregularities set to be challenged in court
ADA is among 171 political associations that applied to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for registration as political parties. However, in February 2026, INEC announced that only two associations were approved.
A leading promoter of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), Umar Ardo, has raised fresh concerns over the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), alleging serious irregularities and vowing to challenge the process in court.
ADA is among 171 political associations that applied to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for registration as political parties. However, in February 2026, INEC announced that only two associations were approved.
At a quarterly consultative meeting with party leaders in Abuja, INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan said only the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) was registered through the commission’s standard process, while the NDC was registered in compliance with a court order. He stated that all applications were assessed in line with constitutional provisions and the Electoral Act.
Speaking on Trust TV and in a subsequent interview, Ardo accused INEC of bypassing its own procedures by registering the NDC without proper screening.
“The NDC did not meet the legal and procedural requirements for registration,” he said. “It neither completed the official application process nor submitted key documents such as its constitution, manifesto, or executive membership list. Yet, it was granted registration through a court order. This is clearly irregular.”
The NDC has rejected the allegations. In a statement issued by its National Secretary, Ikenna Enekweizu, the party described Ardo’s claims as “mischievous and misleading.”
The controversy comes amid growing political realignments, with prominent figures such as Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso recently joining the NDC after leaving the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Ardo maintained that ADA had fully complied with INEC requirements, including submitting necessary documentation and paying fees. He said the commission had initially confirmed ADA’s qualification for the next stage before ultimately denying registration.
“We followed due process and were denied, while another group that did not comply was registered,” he said. “We will pursue this matter through the courts to ensure justice is served.”
He also questioned the speed of the court ruling that favored the NDC, noting that the party secured judgment within 32 days, while ADA’s case has remained unresolved for months.
Ardo further alleged possible political influence behind the NDC’s emergence, suggesting it may have been engineered by Bola Tinubu. However, he dismissed claims that his actions were politically motivated, insisting on his history of legal challenges against past administrations, including those of Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari.
“This is not about targeting one party,” Ardo said. “Any political party that emerges through a flawed process undermines democratic stability and must be challenged.”
He confirmed plans to appeal the court decision and include both INEC and the NDC in the legal proceedings.
