The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stated that the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), a group seeking recognition as a political party, has not fulfilled the necessary conditions for registration.
This was disclosed by INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, during an interactive session with journalists in Abuja.
Olumekun explained that while the commission has received numerous letters of intent from political associations, none has successfully met the basic criteria to move forward with the formal registration process.
“The truth is that we have so many letters of intent presently and none of them is an application yet. They must first meet the criteria before submitting a letter of intent,” Olumekun said.
According to him, the ADA’s letter did not meet INEC’s basic documentation standards, including the omission of the word “electoral” in the commission’s name.
The application, dated June 19, was addressed to “The Chairman, Independent National Commission (INEC)” instead of the legally recognised “Independent National Electoral Commission.”
It was co-signed by Akin Ricketts, protem National Chairman of ADA, and Abdullahi Musa Elayo, protem National Secretary.
The ADA initiative has reportedly drawn interest from several prominent political figures, including:
Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President;
Nasir El-Rufai, former Kaduna State Governor;
Rotimi Amaechi, former Rivers State Governor;
David Mark, former Senate President; and
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate.
Although none of them has officially confirmed involvement, political observers suggest the ADA may emerge as a “third force” coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC has reiterated that there is no shortcut to political party registration, stressing that interested associations must comply with the 2022 Electoral Act and the commission’s internal regulatory framework.
“Every group seeking registration must follow the laid-down procedures. Compliance is not optional,” Olumekun added.
This includes submitting proper documentation, providing verifiable signatures from across Nigeria, and establishing a functional national secretariat, among other requirements.
Meanwhile, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, is expected to address the matter during a consultative meeting with leaders of the 19 registered political parties on Thursday at the INEC headquarters in Abuja.
The event will also feature participation from media representatives, civil society organisations, and security agencies, under the coordination of Prof. Yakubu and National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who both co-chair the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).
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