INEC verifies 12 parties for registration

Indications have emerged that more than 10 new political parties may emerge ahead of the 2019 general elections as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has so far verified 12 applications from political associations seeking registration.

By the last count, a total of 91 political associations have written to INEC seeking to be registered as political parties.

Daily Trust gathered that the commission has so far verified the applications of 12 political associations out of 16 that have paid the non-refundable registration fee of N1million.

It was also gathered that the application earlier submitted for registration of the proposed Advanced Peoples Democratic Party (APDP) had been rejected by INEC for bearing semblance with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

A source in INEC told Daily Trust that the commission had written those who applied for the registration of APDP to look for a new name.

“The commission rejected the APDP because it does not want to be mired in credibility crisis ahead of 2019 elections,” he said.

The director in charge of Voter Education and Publicity, Osaze Uzzi, confirmed the verification of 12 applications, adding that successfully registered parties would be announced as soon as their registration was approved by INEC.

He also confirmed the payment of N1million application fee each by 16 political associations out of the 91 that have so far written to INEC.

Uzzi, who said the verification process was still ongoing, pointed out that INEC did not disqualify political parties seeking application.

He, however, said the commission only approves the registration of those that met the constitutional requirements.

Meanwhile, the continuous voters’ registration exercise will commence nationwide today with the INEC National Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, kicking off the exercise at the INEC office in Karu, Nasarawa State by 9am.