Nigerian Human Rights Activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana has revealed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has the power to de-register over 80 unqualified political parties.
In an article titled "INEC's fresh powers to de-register political parties " the SAN said the electoral commission has been empowered by the Section 225 of the 1999 Constitution, which indicates that INEC can de-register political parties based on the following grounds:
"(a) breach of any of the requirements for registration; (b)failure to win at least 25 percent of votes cast in:
(i) One state of the federation in a presidential election; or
(ii) one local government of the state in a governorship election;
(c) failure to win at least –
(i) one ward in the chairmanship election;
(ii) one seat in the national or state House of Assembly election; or
(iii) one seat in the councillorship election.”
Falana also said INEC can use the performance of political parties during the 2019 general elections to trim over 80 unqualified parties.
He further urged the commission to formulate new guidelines for the registration of political parties within the scope of the constitution, as it would enable the commission check the manipulation and democratic processes by some parties.
