A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted approval for the registration of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA). Justice Peter Lifu issued a directive requiring the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide an access code to the leadership faction headed by Chief Akin Rickett within 72 hours.
The court determined that the electoral commission acted unlawfully by previously issuing the registration code to Dr. Umar Ardo. Justice Lifu confirmed that Ardo does not hold the status of a recognized Protem Secretary for the party, rendering his prior actions regarding the registration process null and void. The court ordered INEC to reopen its portal for seven days to allow the authentic ADA leadership to submit required documentation, including their membership register.
Legal counsel for the plaintiff, Stephen Atabo, had challenged INEC’s initial decision to recognize Ardo, arguing that the information provided to the commission was unauthorized. The court agreed with the plaintiff, nullifying all previous submissions made by Ardo on behalf of the association. While the plaintiff requested 96 hours for the new access code, Justice Lifu granted a 72-hour window for compliance.
