By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) has refuted allegations by Umar Ardo of the Advanced Democratic Alliance (ADA) that its registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not follow due process.
In a statement issued by its National Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, the party described the claims as false and misleading, insisting that its registration was carried out in compliance with constitutional provisions and backed by a valid court order.
Enekweizu said Ardo had repeatedly raised the allegation during media appearances on platforms such as ARISE News and Trust TV without providing evidence or legally challenging the court ruling that led to the party’s recognition.
According to him, the NDC’s registration process began as far back as 2017 when the party was among 171 political associations that applied to INEC for recognition.
He explained that the party later approached the Federal High Court after INEC excluded it from a shortlist of associations being considered for registration, citing similarities between the NDC’s victory-sign logo and the broom symbol of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Enekweizu said the party challenged the decision in court, arguing that the commission’s action was an abuse of discretion and an infringement on its constitutional right to freedom of association.
According to him, INEC’s legal representatives acknowledged during the court proceedings that the NDC had fulfilled all registration requirements apart from the dispute over the party’s logo.
“The court, after hearing both sides, ruled that the logos were clearly different and that INEC’s position amounted to interference with our fundamental freedom of association,” he said.
He added that the court subsequently directed INEC to register the NDC, an order the commission complied with and did not appeal within the legally required timeframe.
Enekweizu noted that the ruling initially delayed the upload of the party’s logo on the INEC website, with the commission temporarily indicating the party’s status as “Court Order.”
Since securing registration, he said the NDC has commenced full political activities, including holding its first National Executive Committee meeting after issuing the mandatory 21-day notice to INEC, whose officials reportedly monitored the meeting.
He also disclosed that the party had formally notified the electoral commission about its forthcoming congresses and national convention as part of efforts to strengthen its organisational structure across the country.
Enekweizu further stated that the party’s leadership has been engaging Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora, adding that many citizens have embraced the NDC as a viable political alternative.
He attributed the growing interest in the party to the leadership of former Bayelsa State governor and National Leader of the NDC, Henry Seriake Dickson, whom he described as a principled politician.
The NDC secretary also accused Ardo of attempting to weaken the opposition, alleging that internal disagreements within the ADA were partly responsible for the party’s inability to secure registration.
According to him, divisions emerged within the coalition backing the ADA after Ardo allegedly altered a proposed list of interim party officers without the consent of other key figures.
He said the disagreement led some coalition members to file a counter suit challenging the action, a development he claimed contributed to INEC’s decision not to register the party.
Enekweizu maintained that the NDC would remain focused on building a credible opposition platform capable of challenging the ruling APC in the 2027 general elections despite what he described as attempts to undermine the party’s growth.
