The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has dismissed claims by leader of the All Democratic Alliance, ADP, Dr. Umar Ardo, alleging that the party’s registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not follow due process.
This is contained in a statement signed by the National Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, in Abuja.
The statement describes Ardo’s allegations as mischievous, misleading, and false.
It notes that Ardo had previously made similar remarks shortly after INEC announced the registration of both NDC and DLA, accusing him of repeatedly spreading falsehood on various media platforms without evidence.
According to Enekweizu, the NDC’s application for registration dates back to 2017 and was among the 171 associations that initially sought registration.
The party says it only went to court after INEC rejected its logo, claiming it resembled that of the APC.
According to the statement, the Federal High Court, after hearing both parties, overruled INEC and ordered the registration of the NDC, affirming that the party had met all requirements and that the logo issue was insufficient grounds for rejection.
It states that INEC complied with the court order and did not appeal.
The statement further explains that the time for appeal has long elapsed, which is why the party’s logo was previously listed as “court order” on the INEC website before formal recognition.
The statement stresses that the NDC fulfilled all legal and administrative conditions for registration before Ardo’s ADA and that its registration was fully monitored by INEC, including during its recent NEC meeting.
According to the statement, Enekweizu accuses Ardo of working with interests opposed to a strong multi-party democracy, alleging that he is being used to discredit the NDC as its influence grows across the country.
It adds that the party has continued to receive massive support from Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, largely due to the leadership of Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, the NDC National Leader.
The statement also explains that ADA’s failure to secure registration stemmed from internal conflicts and alleged attempts by Ardo to unilaterally alter its leadership structure, which triggered legal disputes within the association.
The NDC maintains that it remains focused on building a credible, nationwide alternative to the ruling APC and will not be distracted by what it described as “desperate attempts to demarket the party.
