2015: INEC gives condition for parties re-registration

Apparently reacting to claims by Fresh Democratic Party that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC had disobeyed court order to recognise it as a political party, the electoral body said deregistered political parties could only field candidates in 2015 if they re-registered.

Speaking with journalist in Lagos, the National Commissioner in charge of South-West, Prof. Lai Olurode said the commission had the power to register, delist and deregister a political party, adding that there was no law stopping de-registerd political parties from re-applying provided they meet the requirements.

He said, "If a deregistered party has not gone to court or the power of INEC has not been destroyed as illegal by a court of law, that party cannot field a candidate come 2015.

"The only exception is if the party has gone back to seek re-registration which is possible under the law."

Olurode said for a party to be recognised as a political party as enshrined in the constitution, that party must be in compliance with the laws, rules and regulations which must be as laid down in the constitution and in the Electoral Acts.

According to the commissioner, if the court ruled against the exercise of the powers given to INEC, the commission had no choice but to obey the rulings of the court with regards to specific provisions of the law.

He added that for whatever reasons the court could not rule that INEC ought not to have de-registered a party.

Recall that INEC had de-registered some parties including Chris Okotie's Fresh democratic party and he had taken INEC to court.

Source: Legit.ng