ADA registration: Northern groups chide El-Rufai, Amaechi comment on INEC

Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) and the Northern Awareness Network (NAN), have called for a fair and transparent process of registering new political parties in Nigeria.

They also urged all political parties and new ones seeking registration to adhere to INEC’s guidelines and to approach the registration process with the seriousness it deserves.

This is as the groups expressed concern on the statements made by former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi and former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai alleging that the the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was frustrating the registration of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA).

The President General of AYCF, Yerima Shettima, in a statement, explained that he found it imperative to clarify the position of the AYCF concerning the allegations against INEC’s purported frustration of opposition political parties, preparatory to the 2027 general elections.

AYCF said that it was essential to recognize that the electoral process in Nigeria was governed by established procedures that were designed to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability, stressing that the assertion made by Amaechi that INEC is intentionally obstructing the efforts of opposition parties is not only unfounded but also reflects a misunderstanding of the electoral framework that governs party registration.

According to Shettima, “INEC’s requirements, which include the submission of office addresses and the identification of party officers, are standard protocols that must be adhered to by all political entities seeking registration, it is critical that all parties, including the ADA, comply with such guidelines to maintain the integrity of our democratic processes.”

AYCF noted that it finds it disheartening that, in their frustration, Amaechi and the former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai have resorted to making sensational claims rather than addressing the substantive issues at hand.

He said that ADA’s challenges in meeting INEC’s requirements should not be attributed to any alleged bias or conspiracy on the part of the commission, pointing out that instead, it is a reflection of the need for all political parties to engage in diligent preparation and adherence to the rules that govern our electoral landscape.

The statement explained that it is apparent that ADA’s formation is driven by a sense of urgency and desperation, particularly as the political climate shifts in anticipation of the 2027 elections.

The AYCF, therefore, acknowledged the right of any group to seek political representation, emphasizing that the legitimacy of such efforts hinges upon their compliance with the legal framework set forth by INEC.

NAN in a statement by the Chairman, Salihu Suleiman also observed that the notion that INEC should compromise its standards to accommodate the ADA is not only impractical but undermines the principles of democracy that Nigeria strives to uphold.

It said that El-Rufai’s “skepticism” regarding INEC’s willingness to register the ADA further illustrates a growing trend among political leaders to cast doubt on the electoral process rather than engaging constructively with it, adding that such rhetoric can be detrimental to the democratic ethos and may inadvertently disenfranchise the very constituents these leaders claim to represent.

The statement said, “It is crucial for political leaders to foster an environment of trust and cooperation with electoral bodies, rather than perpetuating narratives of mistrust and conspiracy.”

It called upon all political actors, including Amaechi and El-Rufai, to exercise restraint in their public statements and to focus on building a political culture that is rooted in respect for democratic institutions, saying that the future of Nigeria’s democracy depends on the collective efforts of all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and to work within the established frameworks to achieve their political aspirations.

ADA registration: Northern groups chide El-Rufai, Amaechi comment on INEC