Prof. Attahiru Jega

By Tokunbo Adedoja

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, has defended the commission's decision to deregister 28 political parties arguing that INEC wielded the big stick because the affected parties were no more in compliance with the constitutional requirements for registration.

The INEC chairman, who was speaking in Abuja for the first time on the deregistration issue, also defended the additional powers being sought by the commission and even advocated for the general elections which are staggered within a one-month timeframe to be held on a single day, arguing that it is consistent with global electoral best practices.

On the deregistration of the 28 political parties, he said the affected parties violated constitutional  provisions for registration as provided in Sections 222 and 223 which include that they must have offices in Abuja; hold periodic elections; have executives that represent the federal character in their composition, in particular, two-thirds of the states of the federation, and  the stipulations for deregistration as provided in the Electoral Act for parties that do not win seats in any election.

More to follow...