INEC Declines ADA Registration, Cites Non-Compliance with Electoral Requirements

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified its position regarding the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), a new political group seeking formal recognition as a political party. According to INEC, the ADA has not fulfilled the legally required steps and documentation necessary for registration under the 2022 Electoral Act.

This revelation came from Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, during an interactive session with journalists in Abuja. Olumekun stressed that although INEC has received numerous letters of intent from emerging political associations, including the ADA, none have progressed beyond the preliminary stage due to failure to meet basic criteria.

“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 stated.

The specific application by ADA, dated June 19, was flagged for notable errors. Chief among them was the incorrect address of the recipient body. Instead of being addressed to the “Independent National Electoral Commission,” the application was mistakenly written to the “Independent National Commission.” INEC pointed out that such a basic error demonstrates a lack of attention to detail and adherence to official protocol.

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ADA’s Ambitions Clash with INEC’s Rigid Compliance Standards

The All Democratic Alliance (ADA), co-founded by Akin Ricketts (protem National Chairman) and Abdullahi Musa Elayo (protem National Secretary), has generated significant interest within Nigeria’s political landscape. Despite the application being deemed invalid, the ADA has reportedly attracted attention from heavyweight political figures.

Prominent names allegedly aligned with the movement include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, ex-Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Senate President David Mark, and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi. However, none of these figures have officially confirmed their involvement with the ADA.

Observers speculate that the ADA could emerge as a credible “third force” alternative to Nigeria’s two dominant parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), particularly as the 2027 general elections approach. Political analysts say the growing dissatisfaction with traditional parties is creating fertile ground for such coalitions.

Still, INEC maintains that political ambition must align with due process. Olumekun reiterated that groups hoping to be registered must comply strictly with both the 2022 Electoral Act and INEC’s internal guidelines. He emphasized that there are no shortcuts or preferential treatments in the registration process.

“Every group seeking registration must follow the laid-down procedures. Compliance is not optional,” he said.

These procedures include submitting verified documentation, providing evidence of widespread national support through verifiable signatures from multiple states, and establishing a functional national secretariat.

INEC Gears Up for Consultative Meeting Amid Party Formation Buzz

While the ADA’s attempt remains stalled, INEC’s broader focus on electoral integrity continues. Chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, is expected to address these registration matters in a high-level consultative meeting scheduled for Thursday at the INEC headquarters in Abuja.

The gathering will include leaders of all 19 currently registered political parties, media representatives, civil society organisations, and security agencies. It will be co-chaired by Prof. Yakubu and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, under the umbrella of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).

Sources within INEC say the agenda will not only cover party registration but also broader concerns such as election security, fake news, and voter engagement strategies ahead of upcoming elections in various states.

The Commission is using this opportunity to reinforce the seriousness of electoral compliance while encouraging transparency and national inclusiveness in political participation.

For now, the ADA’s vision of becoming a fully registered political party is on hold. However, should the group resolve its documentation errors and meet INEC’s constitutional requirements, its potential entry into the 2027 political contest could reshape Nigeria’s political dynamics.

Until then, INEC is standing firm in its role as gatekeeper of electoral credibility, determined to uphold the rule of law and preserve the integrity of Nigeria’s political ecosystem.