Umar Ardo, promoter of the proposed All Democratic Alliance (ADA), has denied claims linking the political group to former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, describing the allegations as false and misleading.
Speaking on ARISE Television’s Morning Show on Friday, Ardo dismissed speculation that ADA was being sponsored by Obi, stressing that the former presidential candidate has no connection to the initiative.
He said rumours suggesting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was reluctant to register ADA because of a perceived link to Obi were unfounded.
“There is a rumour circulating that ADA is Peter Obi’s political party and that he intends to join it. That is not true,” Ardo said.
He added that even if Obi were involved, he would still be acting within his constitutional rights.
“Assuming, without conceding, that Peter Obi is behind ADA, is he not a Nigerian citizen? Does he not have the right to sponsor a political party?” he asked.
INEC Registration Dispute
Ardo explained that the promoters of ADA had complied with all legal requirements for party registration but were disappointed by INEC’s refusal to grant approval.
He said the group had resolved to seek legal redress, insisting that the matter would be pursued to the highest court if necessary.
“For us, having met all the requirements of the law and still being denied registration, we will not keep quiet. We will allow the courts to determine the matter,” he said.
According to Ardo, the group is prepared to take the case to the Supreme Court if lower courts fail to rule in its favour.
He noted that participation in upcoming elections was secondary to establishing a legal precedent.
“It doesn’t really matter whether we participate in this election or not. What matters is proving that we met all legal requirements and that, for no justifiable reason, INEC refused to register us,” Ardo stated.
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