The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified that the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), a new political movement seeking registration, has not yet met the legal requirements to become a political party.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Sam Olumekun, said while the Commission has received several letters of intent from groups, none has fulfilled the conditions needed for formal application.
“We have received numerous letters of intent, but none qualifies as an official application. Associations must meet all requirements before submitting any formal request,” Olumekun said.
One notable error in ADA’s submission was the omission of the word “Electoral” in the Commission’s name — their letter was addressed to “The Chairman, Independent National Commission (INEC),” rather than “Independent National Electoral Commission.” The letter, dated June 19, was co-signed by ADA’s protem national chairman, Akin Ricketts, and protem national secretary, Abdullahi Musa Elayo.
The ADA movement has attracted attention due to the high-profile political figures linked to it, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi, former Senate President David Mark, and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
INEC stressed that party registration is strictly governed by the provisions of the 2022 Electoral Act and the Commission’s guidelines, and that all aspiring political associations must comply accordingly.
Meanwhile, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, is expected to meet with leaders of Nigeria’s 19 registered political parties on Thursday at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja. The meeting, convened under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), will also include media stakeholders, civil society groups, and security agencies. Prof. Yakubu and National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, are joint chairmen of the committee.
A senior INEC official confirmed that the ADA matter will be addressed at the meeting.
