The de-registration of the Reform and Advancement Party (RAP) and the Democratic People’s Party, (DPP) by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) WAS ON Wednesday upheld by a Federal High Court in Abuja.
INEC de-registered some weeks ago on the grounds that they failed the constitutional requirement to retain their statue as political parties.
Justice Evelyn Maha, in the two judgements, held that INEC possesses the requisite powers under the constitution to de-register any political party the failed to meet the laid down requirements in section 225 (a) of the 1999 constitution.
While dismissing the suits, the judge further held that the plaintiffs failed to establish why they should go ahead to exist as political parties, having failed to win a seat in last year election.
“Section 225 provides the law guiding the existence of political parties in Nigeria. There is no evidence that the defendant unlawfully registered the 3rd plaintiff” the judge said.
In his reaction, counsel to RAP, Barr. Okere Kingdom said his client would appeal the judgment, adding that the trial Court misunderstood the case it brought before it for adjudication .
Meanwhile, supporters of Governor Hope Uzodimma described the outcome of the Federal High Court against RAP as the ‘divine will of God.
NIGERIAN HORN
