Home FEATURES 32 New Groups Seek INEC’s Registration As Political Parties

32 New Groups Seek INEC’s Registration As Political Parties

Political partiesNo fewer than 32 political groups have applied to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be registered as political parties.
INEC officials said that more of such groups are still applying but that “so far, we have received 32 applications. The applications are being processed.”
Chairman of INEC, Professor Yakubu Mahmood, who spoke on Tuesday at the second quarterly consultative meeting with the Chairmen and Secretaries of registered Political Parties, at the Commission’s headquarters assured political parties: “the Commission remains committed to the opening of the democratic space in line with the law and our guidelines.”
He said that the meeting was a forum for the Commission to brief party leaders on developments in the management of the democratic system.
He addressed the recent revelations of alleged involvement of INEC staff in the subversion of 2015 general elections through cash inducement.
“INEC will also take further administrative action against staff found culpable in this dastardly conduct. We will not hesitate to interdict staff where prima facie cases have been established against them by EFCC and immediately terminate the appointments of those indicted.”
Professor Yakubu said that despite the severe constraints on the Commission with regard to the prosecution of election offenders, as exemplified by the recently held bye-election in Minjibir Constituency in Kano State.
“INEC legal team and the Police have successfully secured the conviction of 42 suspects.
This is the highest number of convictions in a single case ever achieved by the Commission.”
On the outstanding re-run elections, the INEC Chairman explained that out of 80 court ordered re-run elections, the Commission had successfully conducted 49 and has 31 elections pending as well as one bye election.
They are: one election in Anambra, four in Imo, one bye-election in Kano, three in Kogi, one in Plateau and 22 in Rivers.
He maintained that except for Anambra and Plateau re-run elections which are sub-judice, we have started the processes of consultation leading to the completion of the outstanding elections.
Professor Yakubu welcomed suggestions and inputs from the political parties on areas of constitutional and legal amendments.
“We welcome suggestions by political parties on areas of amendment you consider important for inclusion in the comprehensive proposal we intend to submit to the National Assembly.” [myad]

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