Yemi Obafemi
Following an order by the Supreme Court , the Independent National Electoral Commission has now recognised the Youth Party as a registered political party in Nigeria and deregister some political parties.
In a statement on Thursday, the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, INEC, Festus Okoye, said INEC had it moved to deregister some political parties in the build-up to the 2023 general elections, and the Youth Party was among the parties marked for deregistration.
Not satisfied with the commission’s decision, the Youth Party which was registered with INEC on August 18, 2018, approached the Federal High Court and secured an order restraining the electoral judge from deregistering it.
The statement reads, “On further appeal by the party, the Supreme Court set aside the deregistration of the party.
“Based on the judgment of the Supreme Court, the commission interfaced with officials of the Youth Party 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 as the 19th Political Party in Nigeria with all the rights and privileges accorded political parties in Nigeria.”
