Dispute In NDC Registration As ADA questions Process... Dickson Reacts To Allegation

Dispute In NDC Registration As ADA questions Process


... Dickson Reacts To Allegation

 
Controversy trails NDC registration as ADA questions process, Dickson fires back

Fresh controversy has erupted over the registration of the Senator Seriake Dickson-led National Democratic Congress, with the All Democratic Alliance raising concerns about the legitimacy of the process.

It will be recalled that a few weeks ago, a chieftain of the All Democratic Alliance, Umar Ardo, alleged that the NDC’s registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission did not follow due process.

Ardo claimed there were irregularities in the documentation submitted by the NDC and questioned the speed of INEC’s approval. “We have written to INEC to ask for a review. Political parties cannot be registered through the back door,” he said in a statement last month.

Dickson: “I’m disappointed in my friend Ardo”
However, his claims were dismissed by former Bayelsa governor and NDC convener, Senator Seriake Dickson, who expressed disappointment in Ardo.

“I’m disappointed in my friend Umar Ardo. He knows me and he knows I won’t cut corners,” Dickson told reporters in Abuja on Friday. “The NDC met all INEC requirements. Our constitution, manifesto, logo, and national spread were verified. INEC followed its guidelines to the letter.”

Dickson insisted the NDC was formed to “provide Nigerians with a credible alternative built on justice, equity, and rule of law,” adding that “those afraid of real competition are the ones raising dust.”

INEC keeps mum
INEC has not issued a formal statement on Ardo’s petition. A senior official at the Commission who spoke on condition of anonymity said: “All registered parties go through the same process. If there are petitions, the Commission will look into them administratively.”

The NDC was listed among newly registered parties by INEC in March 2026, ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party has since opened secretariats in 28 states.

Background: 2027 realignments
The dispute comes as opposition groups scramble for platforms ahead of 2027. The ADA, formed in 2024 by Ardo and other northern politicians, is also seeking alliances. The NDC has been linked to talks with elements of the PDP, LP, and NNPP, though Dickson has not confirmed any merger.

Political analyst Dr. Sam Amadi said: “New party registration is always contentious. INEC needs to be transparent about timelines and verifications to avoid the perception of favoritism. But unless Ardo produces proof of breaches, this remains political noise.”

Both parties say they are preparing for nationwide mobilisation. Dickson maintained that “NDC has come to stay,” while Ardo vowed that ADA “will pursue this matter legally if INEC doesn’t address our concerns.”


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