Ardo Says NDC Registration Will Be Cancelled Over Alleged Irregularities

Ardo says NDC registration faces cancellation as court case challenges INEC process and questions compliance with electoral requirements in Nigeria.

The promoter of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) and League of Northern Nigeria, Dr Umar Ardo, Monday, said the registration of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)would soon be cancelled as it was registered by subterfuge

In an interview with THISDAY, Ardo said, “We are in court over NDC irregularities in registration by INEC. The court will cancel the NDC registration.

“The emergence of the NDC should be of serious concern to every true Nigerian citizen, most especially the Nigerian opposition. This is largely due to the glaring irregularities in the process surrounding its registration literally on a platter of gold within 33 days.

“Unlike other political associations that painstakingly fulfilled every requirement, from the caterpillar to the needle, NDC secured recognition through a court judgment despite clear non-compliance with the requirements of the Constitution, the Electoral Act and INEC Guidelines.

“And INEC’s swift issuance of its certificate, and decision not to appeal, has further made the entire thing suspect, especially against the backdrop of accusations of government influencing both INEC and judiciary against the opposition.”

According to Ardo, a close ally of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, “Equally troubling is the delayed public disclosure of the judgment ordering the registration of NDC raising questions about transparency and intent. The judgment was secured on 3rd December, 2025, but INEC never announced it till 5th February, 2026.

“For many observers, and me personally who have virtually all the facts of the matter, these irregularities suggest more than coincidence.

“My central concern is strategic: a legally vulnerable party like NDC could expose opposition figures to future legal and political disruption. This naturally leads to a broader hypothesis that the NDC may inadvertently or deliberately serve to fragment and weaken the opposition, ultimately benefiting the ruling APC.

“While no direct evidence confirms coordination, the timing, process and potential consequences warrant caution. In a high-stakes political environment, aligning with an unstable platform could prove costly.

“It is therefore my business, and indeed the business of every right thinkingNigerian, to see that the political game is played by the rules. It is in the best interest of the country. We must not allow infringement of the constitution, the Electoral Act and INEC Guidelines to stand.”