ADP backs INEC, sympathises with 74 deregistered political parties
Following Thursday’s deregistration of 74 political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), tbe leadership of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) has expressed support for the commission, even as it called on President Muhammadu Buhari, to sugn into law the new Electoral Bill.
National Chairman of ADP) Engr. Yabagi Sani, who expressed the support at a press conference Friday in Abuja, said that the party was in no way speaking for the INEC but just stating the obvious as it is in the law, asking any of the deregistered parties not satisfied with the INEC’s decision to seek redress at the law courts.
“In as much as we are not speaking on behalf of the Commission, but we all understand that the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) vests in INEC the power to register and regulate the activities of political parties. The extant provision for the registration of political parties: the Fourth Alteration to the Constitution (Section 225A) empowers the Commission to deregister political parties.
“It is in view of this constitutional provision that the Action Democratic Party stands by INEC’s decision in commending them for complying with the provision of the Law.”
“The deregistered political parties have the constitutional right to seek redress in the law courts for the legal interpretation of the law concerning deregistration of political parties in Nigeria.”
The ADP used the opportunity to assure all Nigerians especially aspirants of fairness and equity if they join the party.
“The ADP assures all interested aspirants who intend to run under our platform a level playing ground during the governorship elections, provided it is within the ambit of our laws and extant rules. This is irrespective of gender, class and hegemony. Our platform is open and available to all aspirants who have exhibited pragmatism and can provide credible leadership in all the states of Nigeria.”
The chairman said, “As a Political Party, the ADP will continue to support every genuine effort in deepening democracy to bring about the desired development Nigerians are yearning for. In view of this, we are calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to assent to the Electoral Bill which will guaranty credible electioneering in Nigeria.”
“The Action Democratic Party is determined to provide deliberate, systematic and consistent policies and programmes to harness and develop Nigeria’s human capital, hence our invitation to all members of the defunct political parties to join us in the mission of rescuing Nigeria from the precipice.
“Our party is using this medium to invite all genuine credible men and women of impeccable character to join the moving train of the Credible Alternative to actualize their ambitions, especially in the upcoming Edo and Ondo state Governorship elections.” He concluded
While answering questions he said the has the ability to handle new members and that the legislature should not make any legislation that will restrict the political participation.
“As a credible alternative we are always ready to accommodate any like mind and any one who joins us any time from now is as important as the old members.
“You don’t restrict participation in a democratic setting or else it will become an autocracy. INEC should think of a way to provide for more participation by all without have stringent conditions.”
Culled from blueprint.ng
