A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a directive requiring the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to formalize the registration of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) as a political party. Justice Peter Lifu presided over the ruling, mandating that the commission deliver the official portal access code to the leadership team headed by Akin Ricketts within a 72-hour window.
Previously, in October 2025, INEC identified ADA as one of 14 groups eligible for registration. However, legal conflict arose when the commission granted the association’s access code to Umar Ardo, a move the party challenged as illegitimate. The ADA argued that Ardo held no official standing as their Pro-tem National Chairman or Secretary. The court ultimately agreed that the transfer of the code to Ardo was unlawful.
Justice Lifu declared all activities performed by Ardo on behalf of the party as null and void. In addition to releasing the correct credentials, the court ordered INEC to reopen its registration portal for seven days. This extension allows the Ricketts-led team to submit mandatory documentation, including their membership register. The judge also mandated that the commission adjust the previous filing deadlines of May 10 and May 30, 2026, to ensure the ADA has adequate time to fulfill legal requirements for political recognition.
