The five newly registered political parties have been issued certificate of registration by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu presented the certificate to the party leaders on Friday in Abuja at the Commission's headquarters.
The parties include the New Generation Party of Nigeria (NGP), Action Democratic Party (ADP), All Democratic People’s Movement (ADPM), Advanced People’s Democratic Alliance (APDA), and the Young Progressive Party (YPP). While presenting the certificates of registration to the parties, the Chairman of the Commission stated that the registration of parties was to enable stakeholders play critical roles in the continued evolution of the nation's democracy.
He urged the parties not to jettison the constitution and manifestoes submitted to the Commission while seeking registration and assured that the parties would enjoy equal rights and privileges as others recognized by the law.
“As you are aware, political parties are at the heart of our democracy. Under the Constitution, no Nigerian can contest an election conducted by lNEC unless he/she is sponsored by a political party. Similarly, under the Constitution, you are registered to operate as national political parties. As such, you should remain committed to the politics of principles and development of the entire nation as articulated in your party constitutions and manifestos which you submitted along with your applications for registration".
Prof. Yakubu further charged them to "eschew the politics of division, bitterness, mud-slinging and hatred. You must also be inclusive in all your activities by giving opportunity to all citizens, especially disadvantaged groups such as women, youths and persons with disabilities”.
He assured that the new parties would enjoy equal rights and privileges of recognized political parties under the Constitution, the Electoral Act as well as INEC’s regulations and guidelines.
Yakubu also warned that the Commission will not hesitate to apply sanction when if any of the parties violate laws governing their activities.
"The commission will continue to strictly monitor the activities of all political parties and will not hesitate to apply sanctions against any violation of the law governing the terms and conditions of your registration. I wish to remind all political parties that the law also provides for de-registration of parties. We shall vigorously apply this aspect of the law as the need arises,’’ he warned.
