A fresh controversy has emerged in Nigeria’s political space following the registration of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) by the Independent National Electoral Commission, with the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) raising concerns over what it describes as irregularities in the process.
The dispute intensified after ADA stakeholders alleged that the NDC was granted registration outside the established procedural framework set by INEC, sparking debate over transparency and adherence to due process.
Speaking during separate appearances on Arise News and Trust TV, a leading figure in the ADA, Umar Ardo, criticised the electoral body for allegedly deviating from its own guidelines. He maintained that the registration of the NDC did not follow the clearly defined screening stages required of all political associations seeking recognition.
According to Ardo, a total of 171 political associations initially indicated interest in registration. However, INEC shortlisted only 14 groups, publishing their names on September 15, 2025, for further verification, including nationwide office inspections.
He explained that only eight of the 14 associations progressed to the verification stage on INEC’s portal, with the ADA fully participating and meeting all stipulated requirements. Despite this, he said, the alliance was denied registration, while the NDC—allegedly absent from earlier stages—was later issued a certificate.
“It is shocking that a political association that did not submit an application, was not shortlisted among the 14, and did not make the final eight, suddenly appeared with a registration certificate,” Ardo said.
He dismissed INEC’s claim that the NDC’s registration was based on a court order, arguing that such a directive would require due judicial process, including filings, service of processes, and representation of all parties in court.
“For a court to give such an order, there must have been submissions, and INEC must have been served and represented. We intend to obtain Certified True Copies of the court processes from the Federal High Court in Lokoja to understand what transpired,” he added.
Ardo likened the situation to awarding a contract to a bidder that did not participate in the bidding process, warning that such actions could erode trust in democratic institutions.
The development has triggered frustration among stakeholders who reportedly invested time and resources to comply with INEC’s requirements but were excluded from final consideration.
He also refuted speculations linking the ADA to Peter Obi, stressing that the group operates independently. He confirmed that legal action has been initiated to challenge the process, expressing confidence that the courts would clarify the circumstances surrounding the NDC’s emergence.
The controversy comes amid wider calls for electoral reforms in Nigeria, particularly demands for increased transparency, including the compulsory electronic transmission of election results, as stakeholders seek to strengthen confidence in the country’s democratic process.
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