2027 Polls: Court orders INEC to register, grant access code to ADA wiithin 72 hours

For Akin Ricketts, the leader of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), this is a moment of hope and vindication. His association, one of the 14 pre-qualified groups vying to register as a political party, has spent months navigating the complex web of regulations governing the registration of new parties. But with the Federal High Court's recent order, INEC is now compelled to register ADA and grant it access to the necessary information and documentation to facilitate its participation in the 2027 polls.

Since INEC revealed ADA's potential registration in October 2025, the association has been working tirelessly to upload the required documents and information. However, its efforts were hampered by the release of the access code to Umar Ardo, a third party with no affiliation to ADA. This error has had far-reaching consequences, as INEC's portal was updated with incorrect information, rendering the association's legitimate submissions invalid. According to the court order, INEC was to blame for this mistake, and its actions were deemed "illegal, wrongful, null and void".

This ruling is significant not just for ADA but for the wider Nigerian political landscape. The court's intervention underscores the importance of adhering to the principles of fairness and transparency in the electoral process. As the country hurtles towards the 2027 polls, this development serves as a reminder that the law will be upheld, even in the face of bureaucratic missteps. It is evidence of the resilience of civil society and the judiciary's commitment to protecting the rights of citizens.

The court's decision also highlights the often-fraught relationship between INEC and aspiring political parties. The electoral commission's processes have been criticized for being opaque and restrictive, frustrating the ambitions of groups seeking to participate in the democratic process. This ruling, while a victory for ADA, underscores the need for greater collaboration and cooperation between INEC and these associations. By doing so, the electoral commission can ensure that the registration process is more streamlined and inclusive, ultimately strengthening the democratic fabric of the country.

In its judgment, the court ordered INEC to register ADA within 72 hours, grant the association access to the necessary information and documentation, and extend the deadlines for the submission of its digital register of members and candidates. The court also nullified all actions taken on behalf of ADA by Umar Ardo, who was found to have acted without authority. This verdict is a significant blow to INEC, which will now be compelled to rectify its mistakes and ensure that the registration process is conducted fairly and transparently.

With this ruling, ADA finds itself on the cusp of a new chapter in its journey towards registration as a political party. As the association navigates the complexities of the electoral process, it will need to capitalize on this momentum and build a strong presence in the political landscape. With its newfound legitimacy, ADA will need to define its vision, articulate its policies, and build a robust structure to ensure its success in the 2027 polls.

With the court's verdict, the stage is set for ADA to take its rightful place on the Nigerian political scene. As the 2027 polls draw closer, this development will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the country's democratic landscape.