Umar Ardo Challenges NDC Registration by INEC in Court

Umar Ardo has expressed serious concerns over the registration of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) and intends to take legal action against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). During a quarterly consultation meeting in February 2026, INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan announced that two political parties, including the NDC, had been registered.

Ardo accused INEC of deviating from proper registration procedures, asserting that the NDC did not undergo the official screening process and failed to meet the necessary legal requirements. The NDC's national secretariat, represented by Ikenna Enekweizu, described Ardo's claims as misleading.

Ardo insists that the NDC's registration is irregular and plans to escalate the matter to court, stating that the party did not file a formal application and failed to submit required documents. Despite INEC's confirmation of the NDC's registration, Ardo argues that the process raises significant concerns and undermines the integrity of the electoral system ahead of the 2027 general elections.