INEC Declines Opposition Coalition ADA Party Registration Over Unmet Criteria and Procedural Errors in Initial Letter

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has firmly stated that the proposed political party, All Democratic Alliance (ADA), cannot be registered at this time. The electoral body revealed that ADA has not fulfilled the fundamental requirements necessary to initiate the process of formal registration.

This clarification came on Tuesday during a media briefing in Abuja, where Mr. Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, addressed journalists on the matter. He explained that the Commission currently holds several letters of intent from various political interest groups across the country. However, none of these expressions of interest, including that of the ADA, has matured into an actual application for registration.

Olumekun emphasized that the submission of a letter of intent does not equate to an official application for party registration. Before a group can move forward with the process, it must first satisfy specific preconditions set out by the Commission. These prerequisites are clearly defined in the Electoral Act and INEC’s guidelines for party registration.

“There are many letters of intent before us right now but none of them qualifies as an application,” Olumekun stated. “The groups behind these intents must meet all the stipulated criteria before they can formally apply to become registered political parties.”

Among the issues raised regarding the ADA’s submission is a critical omission that appears to have undermined the credibility of their letter. It was gathered from INEC sources that the proponents of the ADA neglected to include the word ‘electoral’ in the letter they addressed to the INEC Chairman. This seemingly minor oversight has legal and procedural implications, as it suggests a lack of attention to the specific nomenclature and formal requirements of engaging with the Commission.

This development highlights a recurring challenge that the electoral body has faced over the years. Many aspiring political groups announce their intentions and often even begin preliminary mobilizations without adequately understanding or meeting the institutional and legal processes required to gain official recognition.

Although ADA has been making efforts to position itself as a viable platform for political inclusion and reform, the failure to comply with INEC’s basic protocols is now a significant obstacle in its path. Political analysts have noted that such early-stage lapses reflect poorly on the organizational capacity of any group aspiring to participate in national governance.

INEC’s refusal to accept ADA’s intent letter as a formal application sends a clear message about the importance of process and due diligence. The Commission has repeatedly reminded stakeholders that forming a political party in Nigeria is not just a political endeavor but a legal and institutional one that must follow set procedures.

The Electoral Act outlines clear benchmarks, including the submission of a properly structured constitution, an identifiable national headquarters, and comprehensive evidence of grassroots presence in at least two-thirds of the states across the federation. Furthermore, groups must adhere strictly to the terminology and procedural norms when communicating with the Commission.

Olumekun reassured the public that INEC remains committed to upholding transparency and fairness in the registration process. He reiterated that the door remains open to all political associations willing and able to meet the legal standards.

“INEC is not discouraging new parties,” he said. “But we must maintain the integrity of the process. Anyone who wishes to register a political party must be ready to do the work and meet the legal obligations.”

This episode serves as a cautionary tale for other aspiring political entities. As Nigeria’s democratic space evolves, the need for disciplined, policy-driven, and administratively sound parties becomes more urgent. Groups aiming to influence the nation’s political direction must start by respecting the processes that validate their existence in the democratic arena.

For now, the All Democratic Alliance must return to the drawing board and ensure that every detail is attended to if it hopes to move beyond the drawing table and onto the ballot.