The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is facing renewed legal scrutiny just hours after the high profile entry of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and former Kano state governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, into its ranks, as a leading political actor has vowed to challenge the party’s registration process in court.
The development is already stirring fresh debate within Nigeria’s political space over the credibility of party registration procedures and the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in approving new political platforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dr Umar Ardo, a promoter of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), said he would return to court to contest what he described as fundamental irregularities in the emergence of the NDC, insisting that the party did not pass through the standard administrative screening required by law.
Ardo’s position comes against the backdrop of INEC’s earlier announcement that out of 171 political associations that applied for registration, only two were approved as political parties, including the NDC, which the commission said was recognised following a court order.
He, however, argued that the process leading to the registration of the NDC raises serious questions about compliance with constitutional provisions, the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC’s own guidelines for political party registration.
According to him, while ADA and several other associations went through formal screening, submitted required documentation, and complied with financial obligations, they were ultimately denied registration without what he described as clear justification.
Ardo maintained that ADA had even received confirmation from INEC indicating it had met initial requirements, only to be excluded at a later stage alongside other groups.
He further questioned the legal and procedural basis for the NDC’s recognition, alleging that the association did not complete key application processes such as submission of a constitution, manifesto, and full executive membership list at the required stage before securing court backing for registration.
He argued that the court process through which the NDC gained recognition undermines administrative due process and raises concerns about consistency in the handling of political party applications.
Ardo also disclosed that ADA had already instituted legal action against INEC over its exclusion and would now expand its case to include the circumstances surrounding the NDC’s registration.
He stressed that the issue goes beyond party rivalry, warning that inconsistencies in the registration process could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system and create instability within the political space.
The ADA promoter further noted that significant resources were invested in the registration process, including nationwide mobilisation and establishment of offices, but said the effort was disregarded despite compliance with official requirements.
He maintained that his legal challenge is not targeted at any specific political formation but is aimed at ensuring strict adherence to due process in party registration.
The NDC has previously dismissed similar allegations, describing them as misleading and insisting that its registration was valid, lawful, and backed by judicial pronouncement.
The fresh controversy now adds a new dimension to ongoing political realignments following the defection of Obi and Kwankwaso into the party, further intensifying attention on the legality and credibility of emerging political platforms ahead of the 2027 elections.
