INEC Speaks on 2027 Elections: No Official Application Yet from New Political Associations Despite Opposition Coalition Moves
As Nigeria prepares for the highly anticipated 2027 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has made it clear that no political group has yet submitted a formal application for registration as a political party. This revelation comes amidst growing speculation and media reports about a new coalition of opposition figures trying to float a political party called the All Democratic Alliance (ADA).
In a recent statement, Sam Olumekun, the INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, clarified the situation. Speaking with The Nation, Olumekun said:
“The truth is that we have so many letters of intent presently, and none of them is an application yet. They must first meet the criteria before submitting a letter of intent.”
This clarification comes amid rising political discussions about 2027 and the moves being made by several political stakeholders, especially from the opposition. Among those rumoured to be behind the proposed ADA are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai. The two political heavyweights are believed to be leading the effort to form a united front capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next general election.
The Alleged ADA Letter to INEC
What sparked INEC’s clarification was the circulation of a letter allegedly sent to the Commission. The letter, dated June 19, was addressed to the INEC Chairman and reportedly signed by Akin Ricketts, as the National Chairman of the proposed All Democratic Alliance (ADA), and Abdullahi Musa Elayo, serving as the pro tem National Secretary.
Although the letter has generated significant buzz across political circles and social media, INEC has reiterated that receiving a letter of intent is not the same as receiving a valid application. For a political association to be considered for full registration as a political party in Nigeria, it must go beyond just expressing interest.
What the Electoral Law Says About Political Party Registration
In Nigeria, political party registration is guided by a strict legal framework as outlined in the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act, 2022. Specifically, Section 75(1) of the Electoral Act clearly provides the criteria that must be met:
“Any political association that complies with the provisions of the Constitution and this Act for the purposes of registration shall be registered as a political party: PROVIDED, however, that such application for registration as a political party shall be duly submitted to the Commission not later than 12 months before a general election.”
This means that for any association hoping to be registered in time for the 2027 general elections, the clock is already ticking. The deadline to submit a valid application to INEC is exactly one year before the elections, which are expected to take place in the first quarter of 2027. By this calculation, political groups aiming to contest must complete all application processes by the first quarter of 2026.
But what exactly does a political association need to do before it can be officially recognised as a political party in Nigeria? Here are the key legal and administrative conditions:
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Submission of a formal application to INEC.
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Provision of names and addresses of national officers.
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Demonstration of open membership – the party must be inclusive and not restricted to a specific group.
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Registration of the party's constitution with INEC.
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Establishment of a headquarters in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.
These requirements are designed to ensure that only serious and organised political groups are allowed to operate, thereby maintaining order and transparency in Nigeria’s political system.
INEC’s Warning to Political Associations
Sam Olumekun, in his statement, stressed that INEC will not bend the rules for any association, no matter how prominent its leaders are. He emphasized the Commission’s readiness to strictly enforce the law when it comes to party registration:
“Associations seeking registration must follow the guidelines and abide by the legal and administrative requirements.”
This means that regardless of the political momentum or public interest surrounding the ADA or any other coalition, they must comply fully with the laid-down procedures. No shortcuts, no special treatment.
Olumekun's tone and emphasis indicate that INEC wants to avoid the kind of confusion and legal battles that have plagued past elections due to last-minute party registrations or failure to meet deadlines.
Background: Opposition Unity Ahead of 2027
There has been a lot of political talk in recent months about the possibility of opposition parties uniting to form a stronger force against the ruling APC. The 2023 general elections exposed the deep divisions within the opposition, as parties like the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) split the opposition vote, effectively helping the APC retain power.
Now, prominent figures like Atiku Abubakar have been openly discussing the need for unity ahead of 2027. In an earlier statement, Atiku said:
“The 2027 general elections will not be business as usual. We are working towards building a strong coalition that will rescue Nigeria.”
It is believed that the ADA is part of this larger political strategy. If the coalition eventually transforms into a registered party, it could pose a serious challenge to the current administration, especially if it manages to unite fragmented opposition groups under one umbrella.
Former Governor Nasir el-Rufai’s reported involvement adds another layer of intrigue, given his previous alignment with the APC. His rumoured support for ADA suggests that political realignments are already underway.
Conclusion: The Race Against Time Has Begun
As the political temperature in Nigeria continues to rise ahead of the 2027 general elections, all eyes are on groups like the proposed All Democratic Alliance (ADA). While discussions and speculations grow louder, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has made its stance clear — no association has officially applied to be registered as a political party yet.
Political actors, especially those hoping to form new parties or coalitions, must now act fast, ensure they meet all legal and administrative conditions, and beat the 12-month deadline ahead of the next election. For now, the battle is not at the polls — it’s in the paperwork.
NaijaRush will continue to monitor this development and provide updates on all political movements as Nigeria marches steadily toward 2027.
