![INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu. [PHOTO CREDIT: Official Website of INEC]](https://crediblenewsng.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/images-25.jpeg)
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has disclosed that the All Democratic Alliance, ADA, as many hurdles to cross as a new political group seeking registration.
INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Sam Olumekun said the commission has received several letters of intent, but none qualifies 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 clarified. “They must first meet the criteria before submitting a letter of intent.”
His statement follows widespread media reports that ADA—a political group allegedly backed by major opposition figures—is seeking INEC’s recognition to contest the 2027 general elections.
The ADA is said to be supported by notable politicians including 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.
Despite media speculation, no official party structure or documentation has been submitted, and INEC maintains that there is no shortcut to political party registration.
READ ALSO: Atiku disowns ADA amid 2027 coalition moves
INEC reiterated that associations seeking political party status must adhere to procedures laid out in the 2022 Electoral Act and INEC’s internal guidelines. These procedures include:
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Submission of a proposed name, acronym, and symbol.
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Payment of administrative fees and completion of Form EC 15A (1).
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Uploading founding documents including constitution, manifesto, title deed of headquarters, and member register.
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Proof that national executive members reflect Nigeria’s federal character with representation from at least 24 states and the FCT.
Following documentation, the commission conducts verifications including site inspections and officer identity confirmation. Only when all these steps are satisfied will a certificate of registration be issued.
The guidelines state:
“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…”
INEC further warned that registration may be denied if an association fails to meet legal criteria or provides false information—actions which could result in prosecution under the Electoral Act.
The ADA saga highlights growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, but INEC insists that its legal process for registration remains the same for all groups.
Crediblenewsng.com
