INEC debunks claims of registering new party, clarifies no group has met legal requirements

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed reports that it has officially registered the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) as a political party, clarifying that no group or association has fulfilled the necessary legal conditions for recognition.

Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, stated that although the commission has received several expressions of interest from different groups, none have progressed to the stage of a formal application.

“At this point, all we have are letters of intent—none qualifies as an application yet,” Olumekun said. “Any intending association must meet the stipulated criteria before submitting even a letter of intent.”

His remarks come amid mounting media speculation that ADA—reportedly being pushed by influential opposition figures—was already in the process of gaining INEC’s approval to participate in the 2027 general elections.

The All Democratic Alliance has recently surfaced as a potential alternative political platform. Though not yet formally launched, it is reportedly backed by a coalition of prominent opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi, former Senate President David Mark, and Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate.

Despite the buzz, no official structure or leadership of ADA has been unveiled. However, sources suggest strategic discussions are ongoing to galvanize support for a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

INEC, however, has reiterated that the process of registering a political party is detailed and rigorous, and there are no shortcuts. It emphasized that any group aspiring to become a political party must comply strictly with the provisions of the 2022 Electoral Act and INEC’s established guidelines.

The process begins with the submission of a letter of intent, after which a series of checks and compliance assessments follow. These include the proposed party’s name, acronym, and symbol; provisional approval confirming name availability; payment of administrative charges; and submission of key documents such as the party constitution, manifesto, a verified list of members, and evidence of a functional headquarters.

Furthermore, applicants must demonstrate national representation by ensuring their executive membership includes individuals from at least 24 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Following document submission, INEC undertakes physical verification of the party’s office and identities of listed officials. Only upon successful completion of these stages can a certificate of registration be issued.

INEC’s regulations also specify that if any association submits false information or fails to meet the outlined criteria, registration will be denied—and such actions may result in legal consequences under the Electoral Act.

The commission concluded by emphasizing: “No association, under any name, shall be registered as a political party unless it satisfies all prescribed legal and procedural requirements.”