Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators, Raphael Igbokwe, has alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is under mounting pressure to remove some political parties from the register.
Igbokwe made the claim while speaking to journalists after the Federal High Court in Abuja scheduled March 24 to rule on an application seeking to join a suit that aims to compel INEC to deregister several parties. Those listed in the case include the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party (LP), Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), and Action Alliance (AA).
According to him, the legal action is intended to seek judicial clarification on constitutional provisions guiding the regulation and continued registration of political parties. He said the move is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s electoral legal framework rather than targeting any specific group.
Igbokwe expressed concern that INEC may be selective in enforcing constitutional requirements. He questioned why the commission, which deregistered dozens of parties in 2021, appears reluctant to apply similar standards now.
He emphasized that Nigeria operates under constitutional democracy and the rule of law, where all institutions are expected to act strictly within legal provisions. Ultimately, he said, the court will determine whether INEC has acted appropriately or otherwise.
He added that regardless of the outcome, the case would help deepen and refine the country’s electoral jurisprudence.
About The Author
