The ADA registration process has taken a fresh turn after a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to hand over the party’s registration access code to its recognised leadership.
According to Daily Post, Justice Peter Lifu directed INEC to generate and release the access code to the leadership led by Chief Akin Ricketts within 72 hours. In addition, he ordered the commission to reopen its registration portal for one week. The party will use the period to upload its membership register and other required documents.
The court ruled that INEC acted wrongly when it gave the access code to Umar Ardo. The judge said Ardo was not the recognised Protem National Chairman or Secretary of the association. As a result, every document uploaded and every action taken with that access code was declared invalid.
Meanwhile, the court directed INEC to reopen the portal. The recognised leadership can now complete the ADA registration process by submitting the required documents. Justice Lifu also rejected a request for a 96-hour deadline. Instead, he gave the electoral commission 72 hours to comply with the order.
The ruling removes a major obstacle for the proposed political party. Therefore, the ADA registration process is expected to move forward under the leadership recognised by the court. The decision also comes as preparations for the 2027 general election continue.
