A leading promoter of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) , Dr Umar Ardo, has raised fresh concerns over alleged irregularities in the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), declaring his intention to challenge the process in court.
Ardo’s position comes amid lingering controversy over the recent registration of new political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) .
NewsWatch Nigeria reports that ADA is among the 171 political associations that applied to INEC for registration as political parties.
However, the electoral body announced in February 2026 that only two associations were approved.
At its quarterly consultative meeting with political party leaders in Abuja, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed that the Democratic Leadership Alliance was the only association registered directly by the commission, while the NDC was registered in compliance with a court order.
Amupitan explained that all applications were assessed in line with relevant constitutional provisions and the Electoral Act, as well as the commission’s guidelines.
Speaking on Trust TV, Ardo accused INEC of deviating from laid-down procedures by registering a party that, according to him, did not undergo proper screening.
In a swift reaction, the NDC, through its National Secretary, Ikenna Enekweizu, dismissed the allegations, describing them as “mischievous and misleading.”
The controversy is unfolding against the backdrop of high-profile defections to the party.
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and ex-Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, recently joined the NDC after leaving the African Democratic Congress (ADC)
Both politicians were formally registered at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, where they were issued membership cards.
‘Registration Clearly Irregular’ – Ardo
Ardo insisted that the NDC’s registration did not follow due process.
“The Nigerian Democratic Congress obtained registration without properly applying. It did not meet the requirements set by the law, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, or INEC guidelines. It is clearly irregular,” he said.
He added, “If there is any other party that failed to meet the requirements but was registered, I will challenge it in court.”
Ardo maintained that the ADA complied fully with INEC’s requirements but was denied registration.
“As for ADA, we formally applied for registration with INEC. We met all the stipulated requirements and paid the necessary fees. On September 10, 2025, INEC wrote to us confirming that we had met the conditions and qualified for the next stage,” he said.
He explained that the group subsequently submitted all required documents, including details of its executives, but was eventually denied registration alongside 13 others.
“We complied fully. However, we were suddenly denied registration… We immediately went to court,” he added.
The ADA promoter further questioned the circumstances surrounding the court-ordered registration of the NDC.
“Apart from submitting a letter of intent, the NDC did not file a formal application, was not shortlisted, did not use the INEC registration portal, and did not submit key documents such as its constitution, manifesto, or executive membership list as required by law and guidelines. Yet, the court ordered its registration. We cannot accept that,” he said.
Ardo disclosed that steps were already underway to challenge the development.
“We are appealing the process. The NDC did not present the required documents before the court, yet judgment was given in its favour. We initially dragged INEC to court and will now proceed on appeal,” he stated.
He also decried what he described as inconsistencies in the judicial process.
“Within 32 days of filing its case, the NDC secured judgment. Our own case has been in court for five months without a ruling. This kind of inconsistency brings instability and undermines peace in the country,” Ardo said.
He further alleged that INEC failed to appeal the judgment before proceeding with the party’s registration.
“INEC did not appeal the judgment. Instead, it went ahead to register the NDC and issued it a certificate. Even on INEC’s website, the party’s leadership is listed as having emerged by court order,” he added.
”We invested heavily in the process. I personally spent about ₦200 million and we established offices across the country. Yet, we were denied registration.”
He further noted that INEC, the NDC, and the process that led to the outcome must be questioned, vowing to pursue an appeal involving both INEC and the NDC.
“Asked if he was being used by the current administration to destabilise the NDC ahead of the 2027 general elections, Ardo claimed that he had a long record of seeking judicial redress, noting that he had been to court 15 times and had taken on past presidents, including Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari.
“I reject that. I believe the NDC’s emergence raises legitimate concerns. I suspect the party may have been engineered by President Tinubu. How can a group that did not follow due process secure registration and court backing without INEC appealing the decision? I have a track record of challenging those in power and I cannot be manipulated.
”The issue is not about timing. The NDC was registered on February 5, 2025 and I challenged it on September 6, 2025. It has nothing to do with the party attracting prominent figures. The concern is that if a party emerges through a process marred by irregularities, it raises questions about the kind of government it can provide.
“This is not about targeting the NDC alone. If any party was registered without meeting legal requirements, I will challenge it. The NDC is being included because it benefited from what we see as a flawed process. Those considering joining the party should be aware of how it was registered.” he added.
