INEC Registers 21 New Political Parties

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday said 21 associations have fulfilled constitutional requirements for registration as political parties bringing the total number to 67.

The Guardian Nigeria report continues:

The electoral body, after due investigation, also took major decisions on allegation of double registration by the Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, and the outstanding Anambra Central Senatorial re-run election.

A statement signed by the National Commissioner and Member, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mrs. May Agbmuche-Mbu, listed the new political parties as follow: All Blending Party (ABP); All Grassroots Alliance (AGA); Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN); Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP); Coalition for Change  (C4C); Freedom and Justice Party (FJP); Grassroots Development Party of Nigeria  (GDPN); and Justice Must Prevail Party (JMPP).

Others are Legacy Party of Nigeria (LPN); Mass Action Joint Alliance (MAJA); Modern Democratic Party (MDP); National Interest Party (NIP); National Rescue Mission  (NRM); and New Progressive Movement (NPM). Also listed top have met the registration requirements are the Nigeria Democratic Congress Party (NDCP); People’s Alliance for National Development and Liberty (PANDEL); People’s Trust (PT); Providence People’s Congress (PPC); Re-Build Nigeria Party (RBNP); Restoration Party of Nigeria (RP); and Sustainable National Party (SNP).

On INEC’s findings on double registration by Governor Bello in the on-going Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, the Commission said it set up a panel of investigation into alleged involvement of staff in the matter. According to the commission, “The initial report submitted by the panel was referred to the Appointment, Promotion and Disciplinary Committee, which made recommendations.

“While the Governor of Kogi State currently enjoys immunity from prosecution, the Commission took the following decisions in respect of its own staff; Summary dismissal of two staff for acts of gross misconduct and immediate and compulsory retirement of an Electoral Officer for act of gross misconduct.”

On Anambra Central Senatorial re-run election, INEC said that following the judgment of the Court of Appeal, the Commission announced that the outstanding election to fill the vacant seat for the Anambra Central Senatorial District would take place on January 13, 2018.

However, the attention of the Commission has been drawn to the judgment of the Federal High Abuja on the issue, delivered on December 13, 2017.