Court stops INEC from deregistering 31 political parties

INEC chairman Mahmood Yakubu

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to refrain from deregistering 31 political parties.

Justice Anwuli Chikere gave the order on Monday, saying that INEC having failed to oppose the application by the applicants, the affected political parties had the legal right which must be protected.

The order follows an interlocutory motion with suit number FHC//ABJ/ CS/444/19 between Advanced Congress of Democratic (ACD) and 2 others Vs. Attorney General of the Federation and INEC).

On February 6, INEC deregistered 74 political parties and left 18 others.