BREAKING: Court directs INEC to register ADA, release access code within 72 hours

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue the registration access code for the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) within 72 hours.

The ruling, delivered on Monday by Justice Peter Lifu, marks a significant legal victory for the Akin Rickett-led leadership of the political association as it seeks formal registration as a political party ahead of future elections.

The court directed INEC to immediately generate and release the registration access code to ADA’s Protem Secretary to enable the association continue its registration process.

Justice Lifu held that INEC acted unlawfully when it issued the access code to Umar Ardo, whom the court ruled was not the recognised Protem Secretary of the association.

According to the court, every action taken based on that decision is invalid.

The judge consequently declared INEC’s earlier decision illegal, wrongful, null and void.

Justice Lifu also ordered the electoral commission to reopen its registration portal for one week to enable ADA upload its membership register and all other documents required for registration under the law.

The suit was filed after the plaintiff, through his counsel, Stephen Atabo, challenged INEC’s decision to grant portal access to Umar Ardo instead of the recognised leadership of the association.

The plaintiff argued that the electoral commission breached existing electoral laws by recognising Ardo, insisting that he was neither the Protem National Chairman nor the Protem Secretary of ADA.

He further asked the court to invalidate all information uploaded to INEC’s registration portal by Umar Ardo on behalf of the association, arguing that the submissions did not reflect the official letter of intent earlier submitted to the commission.

The plaintiff also sought an order compelling INEC to release the registration access code to the recognised leadership of ADA to enable it complete the registration requirements.

In addition, the suit requested the court to direct INEC to formally register ADA as a political party and issue its certificate of registration.

It also sought an extension of the deadlines earlier fixed for submitting the party’s digital membership register and candidate nomination documents.

After considering the submissions of all parties, Justice Lifu ruled in favour of the plaintiff, affirming that Umar Ardo had no legal authority to act on behalf of ADA during the registration process.

The court consequently set aside every action taken under his authority.

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