Appeal court judgement on deregistered parties, victory for democracy, says FRPP

Success Damian:

Forum of Registered Political Parties (FRPP) Edo State Chapter has commended the position of the Court of Appeal over its unanimous judgment reinstating the INEC – de-registered political parties in Nigeria.

The group at a meeting in Benin City described the unanimous judgement passed on Monday, 10th August, 2020 by the Appeal Court, reinstating the INEC de-registered political parties as hope rekindling, a vote against attempts at muzzling up of the opposition, and a remarkable victory for democracy in Nigeria.

In a press release signed by Comrade Victor Edward Ogba, Chairman, NCP and FRPP, Edo State; and Mr. Jide Ibrahim; Edo State Secretary, PPA and FRPP, the group stated that the body deliberated on a wide range of issues following the judgment stating that FRPP  commended the Court.

The statement further stated “FRPP recognized and praised the sagacity and courage of all the distinguished learned judges who presided over the Court of Appeal ruling and observed that Nigeria can still boast of unbiased and brave judges who mean well for the Nigerian polity; FRPP therefore calls on INEC to immediately comply with the Court of Appeal ruling by restoring all rights and privileges of the once de-registered political parties back to them,”

FRPP furthermore urged that, INEC should, as a matter of urgency, create a window of not less than three weeks for all the re-instated registered political parties to conduct their primaries for the Edo and Ondo States Governorship Primaries; while the others like NCP which earlier conducted their Governorship primaries but was rejected by INEC should have their nominated candidates automatically listed among the recognized governorship candidates in both states.

It read “FRPP wishes to categorically urge that INEC take all the necessary steps in this direction not later than a Week from the date of this publication, else the Forum will institute appropriate legal action.”

It added that FRPP humbly expressed her appreciation to the National Chairmen of the affected political parties whose dogged struggles ensured the reinstatement of the political parties; and also to concerned Nigerians for their goodwill and support throughout the period of travail that the now reinstated political parties went through.

While commending the Judiciary for its courage to deliver the landmark judgment, FRPP solicited more efforts on its part to expedite and dispense of all pre-election matters in the courts involving some political parties contesting the Governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States.