Accord Party has dismissed claims of possible deregistration by INEC, insisting it meets all constitutional requirements to remain a registered party
The Accord Party has dismissed reports suggesting it may be deregistered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), insisting that it remains fully compliant with constitutional requirements governing political parties in Nigeria.
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The party made this known in a statement issued on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Joseph Omorogbe, who described the speculation as unfounded and politically motivated.
Joseph Omorogbe said the calls for deregistration were based on misinformation and a misunderstanding of the constitutional provisions guiding party registration and operations.
He referenced Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), stating that a political party can only be deregistered under specific conditions, including failure to secure minimum electoral performance in national or state elections.
According to him, the Accord Party has met the constitutional threshold required to remain a registered political party in Nigeria.
“It is evident that our great party, Accord, met this clear provision of the constitution, thus exempted and excluded from de-registration by the electoral umpire,” he said.
Joseph Omorogbe also dismissed claims linking the party’s legal challenges to its eligibility status, stating that ongoing court matters do not affect its registration status.
The party further cited its recent electoral participation, including councillorship victories in Jigawa State and a state assembly seat won in Imo State during the 2023 elections, though later affected by legal proceedings.
It also highlighted recent political developments within the party, including the reported entry of prominent politicians, which it said reflects growing acceptance of its ideology.
The Accord Party criticised what it described as attempts by certain individuals to push for its deregistration through the courts, calling the move legally baseless.
It also faulted comments attributed to the Attorney General of the Federation, alleging bias in supporting a suit seeking the deregistration of some political parties, including Accord.
The party maintained that the Independent National Electoral Commission had recently conducted a verification exercise at its national secretariat in Abuja, further confirming its compliance with regulatory standards.
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The development comes amid a broader legal and political debate over the status of several political parties in Nigeria, with multiple suits currently before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
