By our reporter
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially declined the registration of the newly proposed political party, All Democratic Alliance (ADA), reportedly backed by prominent political figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
INEC announced that the application submitted by ADA failed to meet the constitutional and legal requirements set forth in the Electoral Act of 2022 and the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
According to INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Sam Olumekun, what the commission received from the proponents of ADA was merely a “letter of intent,” not a formal and complete application as mandated by law. He clarified that an application for political party registration must include a comprehensive set of documents, including the party’s constitution, manifesto, a list of national and state executive officers across at least 24 states and the FCT, and proof of payment of the prescribed ₦1 million non-refundable application fee.
Olumekun also noted that even basic formalities were not properly followed. For example, the letter submitted by ADA was addressed incorrectly and omitted critical terminology expected in a formal petition to the commission. As such, he emphasized that the party’s request is not under consideration at this time and remains at the stage of informal intent.
The All Democratic Alliance had recently generated public attention after news broke that it was being formed by a coalition of influential politicians including Atiku Abubakar, El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, David Mark, and Peter Obi. ADA had proposed a maize cob as its logo and the slogan “Justice for All.” The formation of the party was seen by many analysts as a response to growing dissatisfaction within both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
INEC reaffirmed its impartiality in the process, reiterating that its role is purely regulatory and guided by the law. The commission urged ADA’s promoters to follow due process if they wish to pursue official recognition.
