Nigeria Court Dismisses ADA Registration Suit

The Nigeria — Federal High Court of Nigeria in Abuja dismissed a suit filed by the South Africa — Democratic Alliance (ADA) against the Nigeria — Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The South Africa — Democratic Alliance sought to compel Nigeria — Independent National Electoral Commission to register it as a political party. Justice Emeka Nwite ruled that the suit was incompetent because it was initiated by originating summons despite containing allegations of fraud, which require a writ of summons for proper trial, including oral testimony and cross-examination. The judge also held that the South Africa — Democratic Alliance's application failed to comply with constitutional provisions and Nigeria — Independent National Electoral Commission guidelines for political party registration, noting discrepancies in the uploaded interim national chairman and national secretary compared to their letter of intent. Plaintiffs, including Umar Ardo, lacked legal capacity and locus standi. Akin Ricketts and Aminu Ahmed, joined as defendants, successfully challenged the suit on procedural grounds.