An association called Citizens Democratic Alliance (CDA) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of not following a Federal High Court ruling. The court ordered INEC to register the CDA as a political party but it has not done so.
In a statement released on Friday, Umar Abdullahi, the National Publicity Secretary of the CDA, said INEC has not given them a Certificate of Registration. He also noted that INEC has not provided any reason for not following the court's order.
Abdullahi said the delay shows a lack of respect for the law. He called on INEC to obey the court's decision without any more delays.
According to Abdullahi, the Federal High Court ruled on 23 June that INEC must issue the CDA its Certificate of Registration within seven days of receiving the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment.
He mentioned that the CDA received and delivered the CTC to INEC on 1 July. This means the deadline for INEC to act was 8 July.
“Regrettably, as of 17 July 2026, INEC has not issued the Certificate of Registration or explained why it is not following the court's order,” the statement said.
Abdullahi pointed out that court decisions must be followed by all authorities, including government bodies. He stressed that following court orders is key to maintaining democracy.
“The Citizens Democratic Alliance believes that the rule of law is the foundation of democracy. Court decisions are binding on everyone, including government institutions. Respect for court orders is vital for public trust in the justice system and our democratic institutions,” he stated.
He urged INEC to follow the court's order by issuing the Certificate of Registration. Abdullahi also called on civil society groups, lawyers, the media, and democracy supporters to stand up for the rule of law by insisting on compliance with the court's decision.
He made it clear that the CDA will keep working towards its goals through lawful means. Abdullahi said the group is dedicated to democratic governance and wants to provide Nigerians with a trustworthy political option.
“We also urge civil society groups, the media, legal professionals, and all Nigerians who believe in democracy to speak out for the rule of law and the respect for court decisions,” the statement added.
PREMIUM TIMES reached out to INEC’s spokesperson, Mohammed Haruna, for a response to these claims. But he had not replied to calls and a WhatsApp message asking for INEC’s side at the time of this report.
In October 2025, INEC said the CDA was one of eight political associations that had successfully submitted the necessary documents for registration as political parties. Verification and assessment were supposed to follow.
But after the registration process stalled, three promoters of the CDA went to the Federal High Court in Abuja. They argued they met all legal requirements but were wrongly denied registration.
In a ruling on 23 June 2026, Judge Obiora Egwuatu sided with the applicants. The court ordered INEC to issue the CDA a Certificate of Registration within seven days. The case was filed by Tamunotonye Inioribo and two others, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2787/25.
The court found that the CDA met all legal registration requirements and told INEC to finish the process. If INEC follows through, the CDA will join Nigeria's list of registered political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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