The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday cleared 14 political associations to advance to the next stage of registration—including the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), widely regarded as a strategic backup plan for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The clearance followed a rigorous assessment process that saw 157 other associations fail to meet the stringent constitutional and electoral requirements.
The emergence of ADA marks a notable development in opposition strategy. Members of the ADC had previously hinted at the formation of a parallel platform to broaden its reach and consolidate opposition influence ahead of future elections should their effort to use the ADC as a platform for the election failed.
Spear News reports that a Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday issued an order restraining former Senate President David Mark and other members of his faction from presenting themselves as the national chairman and national executive committee of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
This ruling comes despite the fact that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had previously recognized the faction led by Mr. Mark. The court’s decision intensifies a protracted leadership crisis that continues to divide the party.
The development has drawn strong reactions from within the party. Former ADC presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, criticized the Mark-led leadership during an interview with Channels TV on Thursday.
He asserted, “David Mark and Co are on borrowed time, and Bolaji Abdullahi is a man on a budget. So, whenever he talks, he defends the budgets he has collected from people for the publicity.”
The court’s injunction represents a significant setback for the Mark faction and throws the party’s leadership into further uncertainty as it navigates its internal disputes.
With INEC’s latest move, that plan for the opposition to have a backup political party appears to be moving closer to reality.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, announced the decision on Thursday in Abuja following the commission’s weekly meeting. He confirmed that the 14 successful associations—including ADA—had satisfied the initial requirements under Section 222 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and relevant sections of the Electoral Act 2022.
“The commission will conduct physical verification of all claims made by the associations to ensure compliance with legal requirements before making a final determination on their registrability,” Olumekun stated.
He also noted that interim chairmen and secretaries of the pre-qualified associations have been invited to a briefing scheduled for September 17 at the INEC headquarters.
Political analysts suggest that the approval of ADA could signal a deliberate effort to fragment the dominance of major parties and provide alternatives to voters. However, it also raises questions about potential internal alignments and merger discussions among opposition blocs.
“Party registration is a continuous process under the law,” Olumekun added, “and the commission remains open to considering applications that meet the legal criteria.”
As the 14 associations proceed to the verification phase, all eyes will be on ADA and its operational relationship with existing opposition structures—particularly the ADC—as Nigeria’ political environment continues to evolve.
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