INEC receives registration applications from 10 new parties, refutes registering VOP

The Independent National Electoral Commission on Monday said 10 new political parties had applied to it for registration.

Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Mr. Kayode Idowu, said this in response to an enquiry to the decision of six governors of the Peoples Democratic Party to float a new party known as the Voice of the People.

He said, 'I find it difficult to respond to details and particulars of media speculations about applications to INEC for party registration.

'But it is true that there are more than 10 applications pending currently before the Commission. Application for party registration is a routine experience of INEC.

'Really, you could say the Commission receives an average of one application per week. And this is so routine that I can't begin to proffer particulars of the applications.'

When asked whether INEC would continue to register parties, he said, 'Yes, of course, because the country's law provides for it.

'When to stop? Not as long as the provision is there in the legal framework but the law also stipulates that parties cannot be registered 90 days before a general election.

'The Law is also not specific on whether members of an existing party can form another party without prior resignation.'

On the reported registration of a new party, INEC denied knowledge of any application by the governors for the registration of VOP.

Idowu said that it was not aware of any new party called Voice of the People (VOP) being floated by seven governors and that the parties concerned were yet to contact INEC.

He further stated that there was no information whatsoever on VOP in INEC records at the moment.