INEC Recognises Youth Party

By Nathaniel Gana

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has recognized the Youth Party (YP) as the 19th political party in Nigeria, with all the corresponding rights and privileges accorded political parties in the country

The Commission, in a statement dated 20^th July 2023 and signed by National Commission and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Festus Okoye Esq, said the reinstatement of the party’s status was in compliance with a Supreme Court judgement.

The statement reads in part: “It will be recalled that the Youth Party (YP) was registered on 16th August 2018 by virtue of the judgement of the Federal High Court delivered on 16th October 2017.

“Following the Commission’s decision to deregister some parties in accordance with Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Youth Party approached the Federal High Court and secured an Order restraining the Commission from deregistering it.

“On appeal by the Commission, the Court of Appeal set aside the Order of the Federal High Court and on further appeal by the party, the Supreme Court set aside the deregistration of the party.

“Based on the judgement 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.”