As the 2015 general elections draws near, Nigeria’s electoral powerhouse, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had on Monday disclosed that over 10 new applications had been submitted by some political Associations to be registered as political parties.
Professor Attahiru Jega
Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Kayode Idowu, said, “I find it difficult to respond to details and particulars of media speculations about applications to INEC for party registration.
“But it is true that there are more than 10 applications pending currently before the Commission. Application for party registration is a routine experience of INEC.
Speaking further, Idowu said “Really, you could say the Commission receives an average of one application per week. And this is so routine that I can’t begin to proffer particulars of the applications.”
Asked if INEC would continue to register parties, he said, “Yes, of course, because the country’s law provides for it.
“When to stop? Not as long as the provision is there in the legal framework but the law also stipulates that parties cannot be registered 90 days before a general election.
“The Law is also not specific on whether members of an existing party can form another party without prior resignation,” he added.
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