Ardo Alleges Breach of Procedure in NDC Approval, Heads to Court

Dr. Umar Ardo, a leading promoter of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), has questioned the legitimacy of the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), stating that he will pursue the matter in court.

The ADA is among 171 political associations that applied to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for recognition as political parties. In February 2026, INEC announced that only two associations were approved.

Speaking at a consultative meeting in Abuja, INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan said the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) was the only group registered through the commission’s standard process, while the NDC was approved following a court order. He added that applications were reviewed in line with constitutional provisions and the Electoral Act.

Ardo, however, alleges that INEC departed from its procedures in registering the NDC.

“The Nigerian Democratic Congress obtained registration without properly applying. It did not meet the requirements set by the law, the Constitution, or INEC guidelines,” he said.

He further argued that the process lacked transparency:

“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 list as required.”

The NDC has rejected these claims. Its National Secretary, Ikenna Enekweizu, described the allegations as misleading.

The dispute comes amid recent political developments involving prominent figures. Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso recently joined the NDC after leaving the African Democratic Congress (ADC), formally registering at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

Ardo said ADA had complied with all requirements but was denied registration:

“We formally applied for registration with INEC, met all stipulated requirements, and paid the necessary fees. We were invited to proceed to the verification stage, but we were suddenly denied registration.”

He also questioned the timeline of legal proceedings:

“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 undermines confidence in the system.”

Ardo added that INEC did not challenge the ruling that led to the NDC’s registration:

“INEC did not appeal the judgment. Instead, it went ahead to register the NDC and issued it a certificate.”

He confirmed plans to continue legal action:

“We will pursue an appeal. If any party was registered without meeting legal requirements, we will challenge it in court.”

Responding to suggestions that his actions are politically motivated, Ardo rejected the claim and pointed to his history of legal challenges involving past administrations, including those of Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari.

“I have a track record of challenging those in power. This is about due process and the integrity of the system, not politics,” he said.