TheCable

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has added the Youth Party (YP) to the list of registered political parties in the country. 

INEC had, in February 2020, deregistered some political parties — including the YP — for “failing to meet the criteria set by section 225(a) of the 1999 constitution (as amended)”.

However, YP challenged the deregistration before an Abuja federal high court.

While delivering the ruling in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/10/2020, Inyang Ekwo, the presiding judge, in October 2020, held that INEC’s decision was a breach of the political party’s right to a fair hearing.

Ekwo said the electoral umpire violated YP’s right by deregistering it despite a pending case the party filed against INEC.

At the court of appeal, the high court’s verdict was affirmed while INEC’s appeal was dismissed.

INEC, thereafter, filed an appeal at the supreme court. The apex court, in its judgment, affirmed the decision of both the high and appeal courts.

In a statement on Thursday, the commission said after the supreme court’s judgement, it interfaced with officials of the YP on the modalities for its operation based on the constitution, the electoral act 2022 and the regulations and guidelines of the commission.

“Consequently, the commission has recognised the Youth Party (YP) as the 19th Political Party in Nigeria with all the rights and privileges accorded political parties in Nigeria,” the statement reads.