INEC Breaks Silence on Proposed Registration of New Political Party ADA

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed reports suggesting the formal registration of a new political party, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), stating that no association has yet fulfilled the legal prerequisites for recognition as a political party.

INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Sam Olumekun, clarified that while the commission has received numerous letters of intent, none qualify as a formal application for registration.

“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 comes amid growing media speculation that ADA—a political platform reportedly backed by opposition politicians—had already made moves to secure INEC’s approval to contest the 2027 general elections.

The All Democratic Alliance (ADA) emerged recently as a proposed alternative political platform, allegedly supported by a coalition of opposition political heavyweights. Among those linked to the initiative are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Governors Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna) and Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), former Senate President David Mark, and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi.

Although no official party structure has been unveiled to the public, the coalition is said to be working behind the scenes to rally national support for a new political movement aimed at defeating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Reacting, INEC has said that there is no shortcut to party registration.

INEC reiterated that associations seeking political party status must comply strictly with the procedures outlined in the 2022 Electoral Act and INEC’s internal guidelines. According to the commission, the registration process begins with the submission of a letter of intent, followed by multiple stages of verification and compliance checks.

Some key requirements for registration include: Submission of a proposed name, acronym, and symbol; Provisional approval of availability and suitability; Payment of administrative fees and completion of Form EC 15A (1); Uploading and submission of founding documents such as the party constitution, manifesto, title deed of headquarters, and verified member register; Proof that the party’s national executive members reflect Nigeria’s federal character, with representation from at least 24 states and the FCT.

Upon receipt and vetting of these documents, the commission conducts further verification including site inspections and confirmation of officers’ identities. Only when all conditions are met will a certificate of registration be issued.

The guidelines emphasise that: “No association by whatever name called shall be registered as a political party unless the association submits to the chairman of the commission the following documents, which shall be administratively checked to ensure conformity…”

Furthermore, INEC reserves the right to deny registration if an association fails to meet criteria or submits false information, which may also attract prosecution under the Electoral Act.