Federal High Court Rules Against INEC Over Political Party Registration Dispute
The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to continue the registration process of the Access Party (AP) after ruling that the electoral body acted outside its legal authority when it halted the party’s application.
GNN Nigerian politics news updates disclose that , the judgment was delivered by Justice Obiora Atuegwu Egwuatu in a case brought before the court by Dr. Audu Bulama-Bukarti and Mevon Samuel, who challenged INEC’s decision on behalf of members of the proposed political party.
How the Dispute Began
The controversy originated after INEC suspended the registration process of the Access Party, citing concerns about the party’s proposed logo.
At the time, the commission argued that the emblem closely resembled that of the Democratic Leadership Party (DLP), an unregistered political association. The logo under scrutiny featured an animated eagle design accompanied by the party’s name.
However, the court disagreed with INEC’s position, concluding that the concerns raised did not justify stopping the registration exercise.
Gossip News Now reports that the court found the commission’s action inconsistent with constitutional provisions and relevant sections of Nigeria’s electoral laws.
Court Declares Logo Compliant With Law
In its ruling, the court determined that the proposed logo of the Access Party was sufficiently distinct and met all legal requirements applicable to political party registration.
The judgment further held that the emblem did not violate any constitutional or statutory provisions governing the formation of political parties in Nigeria.
The court also criticized INEC’s reliance on the logo of an unregistered association as a basis for rejecting the application, describing the decision as arbitrary and contrary to principles of fairness.
As a result, the disputed letter issued by the commission was set aside and declared invalid.
INEC Directed to Complete Registration Procedures
Beyond overturning the earlier decision, the court ordered INEC to restore the registration process and provide the necessary access code required by the party.
This would enable the Access Party to obtain and complete the relevant registration documents, including the submission of its constitution, manifesto, membership records, and details of its national executive leadership.
The ruling effectively clears a major obstacle that had prevented the party from advancing toward full registration.
Access Party Welcomes Judgment
Reacting to the decision, Dr. Audu Bulama-Bukarti, who serves as the party’s interim national chairman, described the judgment as a significant victory for democratic participation in Nigeria.
He argued that citizens possess a constitutional right to establish and belong to political parties, adding that regulatory agencies should not undermine that right through administrative decisions that exceed their authority.
The party leader also urged INEC to implement the court’s directives without delay, stressing that preparations for the 2027 general elections were already underway.
Lawyers Hail Decision as Victory for Rule of Law
Counsel to the plaintiffs, Jude Akpevweoghene-Daniel, said the judgment reinforces the principle that government institutions must operate strictly within the powers granted to them by law.
According to him, the ruling makes it clear that administrative bodies cannot create additional requirements beyond those already established by the Constitution and electoral statutes.
He maintained that the verdict represents an important affirmation of legal protections available to political associations seeking recognition.
Commentary and Analysis
The judgment could have broader implications for political participation in Nigeria, particularly as new political movements seek entry into the electoral space ahead of future elections.
By ruling against INEC, the court has reinforced the idea that regulatory discretion must remain subject to constitutional safeguards and judicial review. This may encourage other emerging political groups to challenge administrative decisions they consider unfair.
The case also highlights the growing demand for alternative political platforms as Nigeria’s political landscape continues to evolve. New parties often face significant organizational and legal hurdles before gaining official recognition.
Ultimately, the ruling serves as a reminder that electoral institutions must balance regulatory responsibilities with the constitutional rights of citizens to freely associate and participate in democratic processes. The coming months will likely determine how quickly the Access Party can capitalize on this legal victory and complete its registration journey.
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