A leading promoter of the All Democratic Alliance, Umar Ardo, has vowed to challenge in court the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, alleging that its recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission was flawed and did not comply with due process.
Ardo made the declaration during an appearance on Trust TV, where he stated that the planned legal action would also target any other political association that, in his view, secured registration without satisfying statutory requirements.
The ADA is among the 171 political associations that applied to INEC for registration ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In February 2026, INEC announced the registration of only two political parties.
The electoral commission confirmed that the Democratic Leadership Alliance was successfully registered after meeting all stipulated requirements.
It also disclosed that the NDC secured registration following a court order.
INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, had explained that all applications were assessed in line with Sections 222 and 223 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, as well as Sections 75 and 79 of the Electoral Act 2022 and the commission’s regulations for political parties.
However, Ardo strongly rejected the commission’s position, insisting that the NDC did not undergo the standard screening and application process required for registration.
“The Nigerian Democratic Congress obtained registration without properly applying. It did not meet the requirements set by law or INEC guidelines,” he said.
“It is clearly irregular, and we will challenge it in court.”
According to him, the ADA fully complied with all registration requirements.
He claimed the association paid all prescribed fees, submitted the necessary documentation, and had progressed to the next stage of verification before it was denied registration.
Ardo also questioned the process through which the NDC emerged as a registered party, arguing that it was not part of the initial screening process and was not properly captured on INEC’s registration portal.
He further raised concerns about the court judgment that compelled INEC to register the party.
According to him, both the judiciary and the electoral commission must be held accountable for what he described as procedural inconsistencies.
“We are appealing the process. The NDC did not present the required documents before the court, yet judgment was given in its favour,” he said.
“We will proceed on appeal.”
He also criticised what he described as delays in the hearing of ADA’s own legal case, contrasting it with what he said was the swift handling of the NDC’s case.
According to him, the disparity raises serious concerns about fairness and transparency in the electoral process.
Ardo dismissed suggestions that his opposition to the NDC is politically motivated.
He insisted that his challenge is rooted purely in legal principle and his longstanding commitment to due process.
“This is not about politics or personalities. I have challenged governments before, including past presidents. This is about due process,” he said.
He warned that allowing parties to emerge outside established legal frameworks would weaken public trust in the electoral system.
Ardo added that the ADA remains committed to pursuing justice through the courts.
The development adds another layer of legal scrutiny to Nigeria’s evolving political landscape, particularly as opposition realignments gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.
The NDC, which recently attracted prominent figures including Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is increasingly becoming a focal point in opposition politics.
What You Should Know
Legal disputes over party registration are not uncommon in Nigeria’s political system, especially when new parties emerge close to major elections.
Ardo’s challenge could test the legal foundations of the NDC and potentially affect its operational certainty if courts find merit in the claims. However, court-ordered registrations often carry significant legal weight unless successfully overturned on appeal.
For the NDC, this means political momentum may now run alongside legal uncertainty. How quickly the courts address the matter could influence the party’s ability to consolidate ahead of 2027.
