INEC Registers 21 New Political Parties

INEC made this known on Thursday during the weekly meeting of the electoral body held at its Headquarters in Abuja.

A statement signed by INEC National Commissioner, May Agbamuche-Mbu, said the parties were registered after they fulfilled the requirements provided by the constitution.

The parties include: All Blending Party, All Grassroots Alliance, Alliance for New Nigeria, Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party, Coalition for Change, Freedom and Justice Party, Grassroots Development Party of Nigeria and Justice Must Prevail Party.

Others include: Legacy Party of Nigeria, Mass Action Joint Alliance, Modern Democratic Party, National Interest Party, National Rescue Mission, New Progressives Movement, Nigeria Democratic Congress Party, People’s Alliance for National Development and Liberty, People’s Trust, Providence People’s Congress, Re-Build Nigeria Party, Restoration Party of Nigeria and Sustainable National Party.

The body also says it has approved the immediate sack of two of its officials and the compulsory retirement of another electoral official for their alleged role in the double registration of Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.

The electoral body, however, stated that it could not take any action against Governor Bello as he still enjoys immunity by virtue of Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution.

On the issue of double registration, it said: “The commission set up a panel of investigation into the involvement of staff in the matter. The initial report submitted by the panel was referred to the Appointment, Promotion and Disciplinary Committee, which made recommendations to the Commission.

“While the Governor of Kogi State currently enjoys immunity from prosecution, the commission took the following decisions in respect of its own staff: summary dismissal of two staff for acts of gross misconduct; immediate and compulsory retirement of an electoral officer for act of gross misconduct.”