RismadarVoice Reporters, May 4, 2026
The All Democratic Alliance (ADA) has threatened to institute legal proceedings against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing the commission of orchestrating a “fraudulent” registration of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Speaking during separate appearances on Arise News and Trust TV, ADA chieftain Umar Ardo alleged that the electoral body sidestepped established procedures in registering the NDC, raising concerns about transparency and due process.
Ardo explained that a total of 171 political associations initially applied for registration, but only 14 were shortlisted by INEC on September 15, 2025. According to him, the process was further narrowed down to eight associations that advanced to the portal verification stage.
“ADA adhered strictly to all requirements and actively participated at every stage, yet we were denied registration,” Ardo said. “It is shocking that a political association that neither submitted an application, nor appeared among the shortlisted 14, and did not make the final eight, suddenly emerged with a registration certificate.”
He dismissed INEC’s reported position that the NDC’s registration followed a court order, describing the claim as “untenable.” Ardo argued that any such judicial directive must have been based on formal submissions, with INEC duly served and represented.
“For a court to issue such an order, there must have been filings and proceedings involving all relevant parties,” he stated. “We intend to obtain Certified True Copies of the court processes from the Federal High Court to ascertain what actually transpired.”
The ADA further alleged that the NDC, reportedly led by former Bayelsa State governor Seriake Dickson, was absent throughout all stages of the registration process.
Describing the situation as unprecedented, Ardo expressed disbelief that an association which did not participate in any phase of the process could be granted official recognition.
The party said it is heading to court to compel INEC to provide a full account of how the NDC obtained registration without undergoing application, shortlisting, or verification stages.
As of press time, INEC had not issued any official response to the allegations.
