INEC confused on judgments, heads for Supreme Court over ruling on deregistration of parties

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it will head for the Supreme Court to appeal Monday’s the judgement of the Abuja Court of Appeal annulling the deregistration of 23 political parties. In the judgement, the Court of Appeal held that the deregistration of the parties is ultra vires the powers of the Commission and ordered the Commission to reinstate them.

Reacting to the verdict, INEC said last night in a statement signed by its National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye Esq: “We recall that on July 29, 2020, the Court Appeal, Abuja Judicial Division in an appeal filed by the National Unity Party (NUP) affirmed the power of the Commission (INEC) to deregister political parties that fail to meet the constitutional threshold in section 225A. Dissatisfied with the judgment the National Unity Party lodged an appeal which is presently pending before the Supreme Court.

“The Commission is therefore faced with two conflicting judgements from the Court of Appeal; one affirming the powers of the Commission to deregister political parties and the other setting aside the deregistration of ACD & 22 others.

“Faced with two conflicting judgements from the same Court, the Commission is not in a position to pick and choose which one of them to obey.

“Consequently, the Commission will approach the Supreme Court for a final resolution of the issues raised in the two conflicting judgements.

“Meanwhile, the Commission is focused on preparations for the conduct of the Edo and Ondo Governorship elections scheduled to hold on September 19, 2020 and October 10, 2020 and is strictly and methodically following its timetable and schedule of activities derived from the Constitution and the Electoral Act. We assure Nigerians and the people of Edo and Ondo States that the Commission is on course and will deliver on its mandate.”