Controversial Chieftain Umar Threatens Lawsuit as NDC Registration Sparks Strife
_By Secular Advocacy TV Political Affairs Desk |
The registration of the Senator Dickson-led Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has sparked controversy, as the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) alleges irregularities and has threatened to take legal action against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Dr. Umar Ardo, a notable chieftain of the ADA, accused the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC of registering NDC through what he described as “fraudulent means that bypassed the guidelines established by INEC.” He made the allegation during appearances on Arise News Morning Show and Trust TV.
According to Ardo, 171 political associations initially indicated interest in registration with INEC. On September 15, 2025, INEC published a shortlist of 14 associations that advanced to the next stage, which involves nationwide office verification. Of the 14, only eight proceeded to the verification stage on INEC’s portal.
Ardo further stated that the ADA fulfilled all requirements and participated in the process but was denied registration. “It is shocking that a political association that did not submit an application, was not shortlisted among the 14, and did not make the final eight, suddenly appeared with a registration certificate,” he said.
Accordingly, INEC reportedly explained that the NDC was registered based on a court order. Ardo rejected that explanation as “untenable,” arguing that due process would require INEC to be served and represented in court proceedings.
“For a court to give such an order, there must have been submissions, and INEC must have been served and represented. We intend to obtain Certified True Copies of the court processes from the Federal High Court in Lokoja to understand what transpired,” Ardo added.
He alleged that the NDC “was absent throughout the stages” of INEC’s registration process.
INEC has not issued a public response to ADA’s allegations as of press time. The NDC, reportedly led by former Bayelsa Governor Senator Seriake Dickson, has also not commented.
The Electoral Act 2022 outlines the process for political party registration, including submission of documents, payment of fees, and verification of offices in at least 24 states and the FCT.
Reacting to the internal crisis that often erupted whenever Peter Obi defects to any new political party, Human Rights Lawyer, Ikechukwu Obasi accused Tinubu’s administration of a bid to crush all practical opposition in Nigeria with either one party system or anti-party politics.
In a post on his official X handle Obasi wrote: “Tinubu administration wants a one party state in reality and multi party in theory and anti-party politics”.