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.
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