A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has given the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) a 72-hour ultimatum to register the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) as a political party and release its access code.

The court, in a judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, faulted INEC for releasing ADA's access code to one Umar Ardo, who was neither the party's Pro-tem National Chairman nor its Secretary.

The All Democratic Alliance was among 14 pre-qualified associations that applied to be registered as political parties in 2025. INEC had okayed the association and seven others for the next stage of the registration process, but ADA approached the court alleging that its access code was wrongly released.

ADA's leader, Akin Ricketts, requested 96 hours for INEC to generate and hand him the access code, but Justice Lifu granted only 72 hours.

The court also ordered INEC to open its portal for a period of one week to enable ADA to upload necessary documents, including its membership register, as required by law. All actions previously taken on behalf of ADA by Ardo were nullified.

The court declared that INEC's action releasing the access code to Ardo was illegal, wrongful, null and void.

Akin Ricketts, the leader of ADA, has accused INEC of sabotaging the party's registration process. He said that the party will not be swayed by the court's order and will continue to push for its registration.

The development is coming ahead of the 2027 general elections, and many Nigerians are worried about the implications of the court's order on the electoral process.

The court's order has sparked mixed reactions, with some Nigerians hailing it as a major victory for democracy, while others see it as a plot to undermine INEC.

The implications of the court's order are far-reaching, and many Nigerians are watching with bated breath to see how this will play out.

Key Facts:

  • The All Democratic Alliance (ADA) is a political party that was pre-qualified by INEC in 2025.
  • INEC released ADA's access code to one Umar Ardo, who was not authorized to do so.
  • The court ordered INEC to register ADA within 72 hours and to open its portal for one week to enable the party to upload necessary documents.
  • The court also nullified all actions previously taken on behalf of ADA by Ardo.
  • The court declared that INEC's action releasing the access code to Ardo was illegal, wrongful, null and void.

Akin Ricketts and the All Democratic Alliance

Akin Ricketts is the leader of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), a political party that was pre-qualified by INEC in 2025. The party has been at the center of a controversy surrounding its registration, with ADA accusing INEC of wrongly releasing its access code to one Umar Ardo.

Ricketts is a seasoned politician who has been involved in Nigerian politics for over a decade. He is known for his strong leadership skills and his ability to mobilize supporters.

Under Ricketts' leadership, ADA has emerged as a major player in Nigerian politics. The party has a strong presence in the country's major cities, and its supporters are known for their enthusiasm and dedication.

The court's order has sparked mixed reactions among Nigerians, with some hailing it as a major victory for democracy, while others see it as a plot to undermine INEC.

Ricketts has vowed to continue fighting for the party's registration, despite the court's order.