Two northern advocacy groups have dismissed claims by former governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi that INEC is blocking the registration of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), NaijNaira can report.
In statements released on Friday, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) and the Northern Awareness Network (NAN) challenged the notion that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is acting with bias.
AYCF President General, Yerima Shettima, said INEC’s registration process is governed by clear, standard procedures. He stated, “INEC’s requirements, which include the submission of office addresses and the identification of party officers, are standard protocols.”
Shettima urged the ADA and other aspiring political parties to comply fully with INEC’s rules instead of accusing the commission of sabotage.
He added that political desperation ahead of the 2027 elections should not override due process. “Parties must engage in diligent preparation,” he said.
The AYCF criticized El-Rufai and Amaechi’s approach, calling their comments “sensational” and unhelpful to public trust in the electoral process.
The Northern Awareness Network also issued a firm stance. Chairman Salihu Suleiman argued that expecting INEC to bend its standards is unrealistic and harmful to democratic values.
Suleiman said, “It is crucial for political leaders to foster an environment of trust and cooperation with electoral bodies.”
Both groups stressed that party legitimacy depends on compliance with INEC’s legal framework, not on political influence or speculation.
They urged all political stakeholders to support a credible system rather than undermine it with public distrust.
Article updated 3 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
