.Registration Will Be a Miracle—Baba-Ahmed
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has denied reports that the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) has applied for registration as a political party. According to INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, despite receiving numerous letters of intent, none of the associations have submitted a formal application for registration.
Olumekun emphasized that associations must meet specific criteria before submitting a letter of intent. The commission’s stance comes amid speculation that ADA, allegedly backed by prominent opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, and ex-Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, had made moves to secure INEC’s approval for the 2027 general elections.
To register a political party, INEC requires associations to fulfill several conditions. These include
- Submission of Proposed Name, Acronym, and Symbol: The party’s name, acronym, and symbol must be approved by INEC.
- Provisional Approval: INEC verifies the availability and suitability of the proposed name and symbol.
- Payment of Administrative Fees: Associations must pay the required fees and complete Form EC 15A (1).
- Founding Documents: Parties must submit their constitution, manifesto, title deed of headquarters, and verified member register.
-Federal Character Representation: The party’s national executive members must reflect Nigeria’s federal character, with representation from at least 24 states and the FCT.
The All Democratic Alliance (ADA) submitted a letter to INEC on June 19, 2025, requesting registration as a political party. The application was signed by the association’s Protem National Chairman, Chief Akin A. Ricketts, and Protem National Secretary, Abdullahi Elayo. However, INEC maintains that this letter is not equivalent to a formal application.
INEC had also earlier denied reports circulating online claiming the registration of two new political parties, the “Independent Democrats” and the “Peoples Democratic Movement”, stating that both parties were registered in August 2013 but deregistered in February 2020.
The commission’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, noted that the number of applications received by INEC is not as important as the number of applicants that can successfully satisfy the criteria for registration. He emphasized that applicants receive regular updates on the status of their submissions within stipulated timelines.
As the 2027 general elections approach, the registration of new political parties could potentially change the dynamics of the electoral landscape, and the commission’s commitment to transparency and accountability will be crucial in shaping the future of Nigeria’s democracy.
..Baba-Ahmed Doubts INEC Will Register ADA
Meanwhile, prominent northern elder and former political adviser to President Bola Tinubu, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has expressed doubts over the likelihood of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) approving the registration of the newly proposed political party, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA).
Baba-Ahmed made the remarks during an appearance on Arise News Channel’s ‘The Morning Show’. He warned that unless a “miracle” happens, the ADA’s application may be dead on arrival due to the large number of applications before INEC and the commission’s history of not registering new parties.
He emphasized that INEC must be careful not to appear biased, especially considering the prominent political figures backing ADA. “I do not know how it will look if INEC now singles out an application that has come because it has at the bottom of it names of prominent politicians and says, ‘Look, we have to prioritise this.'”
Baba-Ahmed acknowledged the coalition’s intent to create a neutral platform where all players feel like “shareholders”, not “tenants”. However, he warned that the political and legal technicalities involved in forming a new party could prove insurmountable.
He suggested that if INEC truly feels the need to approve new parties, it must do so in bulk to avoid the appearance of partiality. “INEC can register about 20 parties that will include the new one with the big guys. They cannot cherry-pick. They have to worry about the law regarding the registration of parties,” Baba-Ahmed stated.