A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to generate and release a fresh access code to the leadership of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), led by Chief Akin Ricketts, to enable the party continue its registration process.
Delivering judgment, Justice Peter Lifu directed INEC to issue the access code to the recognised Protem Secretary of the association within 72 hours.
The court held that INEC acted unlawfully by issuing the original access code to Umar Ardo, who was neither the recognised Protem National Chairman nor the Protem Secretary of the association. Justice Lifu declared all actions carried out on behalf of ADA using the disputed access code null and void.
The court also ordered INEC to reopen its registration portal for one week after releasing the new access code to allow ADA upload its membership register and other required registration documents.
Chief Akin Ricketts, through his counsel, Stephen Atabo, had challenged INEC’s decision to issue the access code to Umar Ardo instead of the recognised leadership of the association, arguing that the action was unlawful.
Justice Lifu dismissed preliminary objections challenging the suit, including claims that it was statute-barred under Section 76 of the Electoral Act, 2022. The court ruled that the provision did not apply because INEC had not formally refused the party’s registration.
The court further held that there was no evidence that INEC had denied ADA registration, noting that the registration process remained ongoing.
The judgment clears the way for the Chief Akin Ricketts-led leadership of the All Democratic Alliance to continue its registration process with INEC, subject to meeting all statutory requirements.
