Appeal Court asked to block INEC registration of new party

The Abuja Division of Nigeria's Court of Appeal has received six grounds of appeal aimed at halting the registration of the All Democratic Alliance as a political party.

According to Vanguard Nigeria, the appeal seeks to set aside an earlier court order that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to register the ADA ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The case centres on the commission's obligations under Nigerian electoral law to register new political parties that meet specified criteria. INEC had previously declined to register the ADA, prompting litigation that resulted in the order now under challenge.

Nigeria operates a multi-party system regulated by the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act. The commission is responsible for registering parties that satisfy requirements relating to membership, national spread and organisational structure. Only registered parties can field candidates in national and state elections.

The 2027 general elections will be the next cycle for choosing the president, members of the National Assembly, state governors and legislators across the 36 states. New parties often seek registration to challenge the dominance of established groups such as the All Progressives Congress and the People's Democratic Party.

Legal proceedings before the Court of Appeal will determine whether the lower court's directive stands or is reversed. The outcome could affect the number of parties on the ballot in three years' time.

The appeal was lodged at the appellate court in Abuja, the federal capital. Further hearings are expected as the matter follows its judicial course.

Nigeria's electoral framework has been under scrutiny since the 2023 polls, which highlighted challenges in party registration, candidate nomination and result collation. The resolution of this case may set a precedent for future applications by aspiring political movements.

Based on reporting by Vanguard Nigeria.