ADA In Trouble! INEC Exposes Party’s Incomplete Registration

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed that the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) has not met the legal prerequisites required to become a registered political party in Nigeria.

This disclosure came from Sam Olumekun, INEC National Commissioner and Chair of the Information and Voter Education Committee, during an interactive media briefing held in Abuja.

Olumekun noted that although the Commission has received several letters of intent from aspiring political groups, none—including ADA—has satisfied the foundational criteria necessary to initiate the registration process.

“At the moment, we have received many expressions of interest, but none qualifies as a formal application. Political associations must meet basic requirements before even submitting an intent letter,” he said.

According to him, ADA’s letter, dated June 19, fell short on several fronts, notably addressing the commission inaccurately as the “Independent National Commission” instead of the correct name, “Independent National Electoral Commission.”

The submission was jointly signed by Akin Ricketts, ADA’s protem National Chairman, and Abdullahi Musa Elayo, its protem National Secretary.

The ADA movement has reportedly attracted the attention of several key political players such as:

• Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President

• Nasir El-Rufai, ex-Kaduna State Governor

• Rotimi Amaechi, former Rivers State Governor

• David Mark, ex-Senate President

• Peter Obi, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate

Although none of these individuals have officially confirmed affiliation, many analysts suggest the ADA could emerge as a potential “third force” ahead of the 2027 general elections.

INEC has emphasized that party registration is strictly governed by law and due process. Any aspiring political body must comply fully with the 2022 Electoral Act and the commission’s internal guidelines.

“There are no shortcuts. Every association must fulfill all requirements — including proper documentation, obtaining verifiable nationwide signatures, and setting up a functional national headquarters,” Olumekun stressed.

Meanwhile, INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu is expected to address the matter further during a scheduled consultative meeting with leaders of Nigeria’s 19 registered political parties this Thursday at INEC headquarters in Abuja.

The high-level session will also feature media representatives, civil society groups, and security agencies, coordinated by Prof. Yakubu and National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who jointly chair the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).