AAP Accuses INEC of Registering NDC Without Valid Court Order, Demands Proof Ahead of 2027 Polls

 

The African Alliance Party (AAP) has leveled serious allegations against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), claiming the electoral body registered the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party without any valid court order, in what the party describes as a breach of due process and an affront to Nigeria's democracy.

In a statement released on February 14, 2026, AAP accused INEC of misleading the public by citing a non-existent Federal High Court judgment from Lokoja, Kogi State (Suit No. FHC/LKJ/CS/49/2025), as the basis for registering NDC on February 5, 2026. The party said independent checks at the court revealed no Certified True Copy (CTC) of such a judgment exists.

"This judicial abracadabra which INEC brandished in registering NDC — which was not listed as one of the political associations that applied to be registered as a political party in all the commission’s official social media platforms as well as in its various press statements — is an assault on the nation’s democracy," AAP stated. The party questioned INEC's integrity and the credibility of its chairman, demanding the immediate release of the purported court order.

INEC had announced the registration of two new parties — Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) and NDC — bringing the total number of registered political parties in Nigeria to 21 ahead of the 2027 general elections. While DLA was approved after meeting statutory requirements following verification of 171 applicant associations, INEC stated NDC's registration was in compliance with a court order mandating it.

However, AAP highlighted what it called glaring double standards: NDC did not appear among the pre-qualified associations, the 14 shortlisted, or the eight that uploaded details on INEC's portal. The party, which claims it met all constitutional, Electoral Act, and INEC guideline requirements, was among those excluded from the final list despite successful verification.

AAP's National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Sadiq, described the situation as a "poor script" aimed at stalling opposition growth ahead of 2027. The party has previously issued a two-week ultimatum to INEC for its own registration and threatened legal action over what it terms politically motivated bias.

INEC has not yet publicly responded to AAP's latest demand for the CTC or addressed the absence of NDC from earlier applicant lists.

The controversy comes amid broader debates on electoral transparency in Nigeria, with several other associations — including Green Future Party and others — also protesting INEC's registration decisions. As the 2027 elections approach, the incident underscores ongoing tensions between political actors and the electoral umpire over fairness, compliance, and judicial oversight in party registration processes.

This development could fuel further litigation and scrutiny of INEC's operations in the lead-up to the general polls.