Obi and Kwankwaso
Fresh controversy is brewing around the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), following a legal threat by Umar Ardo, promoter of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), who has vowed to challenge the process in court.
Report has it that the development comes just days after Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso formally joined the party.
Ardo accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of irregularities, alleging that the NDC failed to meet constitutional requirements, provisions of the Electoral Act, and INEC guidelines.
He claimed the party did not follow due process, including failing to submit key documents such as its constitution, manifesto, and executive list through the official registration portal.
He further argued that while ADA fulfilled all requirements and progressed in the registration process, it was denied approval alongside other groups.
Ardo expressed concern over what he described as the “unusual speed” with which the NDC secured a court judgment backing its registration.
However, NDC founder Seriake Dickson dismissed the allegations as baseless. He maintained that the party’s registration complied with Sections 222 and 223 of the 1999 Constitution and relevant provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.
Dickson explained that the NDC’s application dates back to 2017 and was only delayed by INEC’s earlier ban on new political parties. According to him, the party eventually secured registration through a valid court order after challenging what it described as unlawful exclusion.
He also argued that no third party has the legal standing to contest the registration, noting that INEC has already complied with the court ruling and did not file an appeal within the stipulated period.
The dispute signals a potential legal battle that could shape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Tags: Nigeria politics, INEC, Peter Obi, Kwankwaso, Umar Ardo, Seriake Dickson, NDC, ADA, political parties, 2027 elections
