The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has debunked claims that it has registered a new political party, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), clarifying that no association has formally applied or met the legal requirements for registration.
INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Sam Olumekun, stated on Sunday that although the commission has received several letters of intent from various groups, none have progressed to the application stage.
“The truth is that we have so many letters of intent presently, and none of them is an application yet,” Olumekun said. “They must first meet the criteria before submitting a letter of intent.”
The clarification follows widespread media speculation suggesting that the ADA—reportedly backed by prominent opposition figures—had begun the process of registering to contest the 2027 general elections.
The All Democratic Alliance is said to be a proposed political movement supported by high-profile politicians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi, former Senate President David Mark, and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi. However, the group has yet to unveil an official structure or make a formal submission to INEC.
INEC reiterated that party registration is a thorough process governed by the Electoral Act 2022 and its internal guidelines. Interested associations must fulfill multiple legal and administrative requirements before being considered for approval.
These include submitting a proposed name, acronym, and symbol; obtaining provisional approval for name availability; completing Form EC 15A (1); paying administrative fees; and submitting key documents such as the party’s constitution, manifesto, title deed of national headquarters, and a verified membership register. Additionally, national executive positions must reflect the federal character of the country, with representation from at least 24 states and the FCT.
Following these steps, the commission conducts physical inspections and identity verification of the party officers before issuing a certificate of registration.
“No association, by whatever name called, shall be registered as a political party unless it meets all the conditions and submits the necessary documents,” the commission said.
INEC also warned that submitting false information or failing to meet the outlined criteria could result in denial of registration and possible prosecution in accordance with the law.
