By Stephen Simon
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to release the registration access code for the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) within 72 hours, clearing the way for the political association to continue its bid for registration ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Justice Peter Lifu, who delivered the judgment on Monday, held that the electoral commission acted unlawfully when it issued the access code to Umar Ardo instead of the leadership led by Chief Akin Ricketts. The court declared the action illegal, null and void and ordered INEC to generate a fresh access code for the association’s recognised Protem Secretary.
The court further directed INEC to reopen its registration portal for one week to allow the association to upload its membership register and other statutory documents required for the registration process. The judge also set aside all actions previously taken by Ardo on behalf of the association.
The dispute arose after the Ricketts-led faction challenged INEC’s decision to recognise Ardo in the party registration process. The plaintiffs argued that Ardo neither occupied the office of Protem National Chairman nor that of Protem National Secretary and therefore lacked the authority to act on behalf of the association.
In the suit, the plaintiffs asked the court to nullify all documents uploaded to INEC’s portal through Ardo and compel the electoral commission to issue the access code to the recognised leadership. They also sought orders directing INEC to facilitate the continuation of the registration process.
The judgment is being viewed as a significant legal victory for the Ricketts-led leadership of ADA. However, the ruling does not amount to automatic registration of the association as a political party, as it must still comply with all constitutional and statutory requirements before formal recognition by INEC.
This development is expected to shape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections, as the association now has another opportunity to complete its registration process in line with the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines.
