“NDC Registration to Face Court Challenge as Ardo Alleges Irregularities”

Dr. Umar Ardo, a key promoter of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), has announced plans to challenge the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in court, accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of failing to follow due process.

Ardo, speaking on Trust TV, said the lawsuit would target not only the NDC but any political party he believes was registered without meeting legal requirements.

“The Nigerian Democratic Congress obtained registration without properly applying. It did not meet the requirements set by law or INEC guidelines,” he said. “It is clearly irregular, and we will challenge it in court.”

The ADA is one of 171 associations that applied for party registration ahead of the 2027 elections.

INEC had earlier disclosed that only two associations were approved, with the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) meeting all criteria, while the NDC was registered based on a court order, according to chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan.

Despite this, Ardo insisted that the NDC did not go through the formal screening process or meet documentation requirements.

He said ADA had complied fully with INEC’s conditions and was cleared for further verification before being denied registration.

Ardo also criticised the judicial process that resulted in NDC’s approval.

“We are appealing the process. The NDC did not present the required documents before the court, yet judgment was given in its favour,” he stated.

He further pointed to what he described as inconsistencies in timelines, noting that ADA’s case had experienced delays, unlike the swift ruling granted to the NDC.

Rejecting claims of political bias, Ardo said his actions were driven by a commitment to legal standards.

“This is not about politics or personalities… This is about due process,” he said.

He warned that failure to uphold proper procedures could undermine electoral integrity, adding that ADA would continue its legal pursuit to ensure accountability.

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