Ahead of 2019 general elections, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu has cautioned leadership of political parties to refrain from hate speeches.
Speaking on the occasion of presentations of certificates of registration to chairmen of the five new political parties, Professor Yakubu admonished them to avoid what he called “the politics of division, bitterness, mudslinging and hatred”.
The new parties presented with certificates were Action Democratic Party (ADP), All Democratic Party (ADP), All Democratic Peoples’ Movement (ADPM), New Generation Party of Nigeria, (NGP) and the Young Progressive Party (YPP).
The INEC chairman further warned that his Commission would not hesitate to de-register any political party that failed to heed the warning.
“The Commission will continue to strictly monitor the activities of all political parties and will not hesitate to apply sanctions against any violation of the law governing the terms and conditions of your registration.
“I wish to remind all political parties that the law also provides for deregistration of parties. We shall vigorously apply this aspect of the law as the need arises.”
“As we approach some of the outstanding bye-elections, the three governorship elections in Anambra, Ekiti and OSun states and ultimately the 2019 general elections, the Commission will pay special attention to the conduct of political parties as well as their candidates and supporters. Hate speeches and other violations of the Electoral Acts attract appropriate sanctions under the law.”
While assuring the new political parties that they would be accorded equal status with other political parties in the country, Professor Yakubu advised them to show commitment to politics of principles and development of the entire country.
“I want to assure the five new political parties that from today, you have equal status with all other political parties in Nigeria. The Commission will extend to you all the rights and privileges of recognized political parties under the Constitution, the Electoral Act as well as our regulations and guidelines.”
“At the same time, I wish to remind you that from today, you are no longer political associations but registered political parties. As you are aware, political parties are at the heart of our democracy. Under the Constitution, no Nigerian can contest an election conducted by INEC unless he/she is sponsored by a political party.”
“Similarly, under the Constitution, you are registered to operate as national political parties. As such, you should remain committed to the politics of principles and development of the entire nation as articulated in your party constitution and manifestoes which you submitted along with your applications for registration.”
“You must eschew the politics of division, bitterness, mudslinging and hatred. You must also be inclusive in all your activities by giving opportunity to all citizens, especially disadvantaged groups such as women, youths and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).”
In his remarks, Chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Council, (IPAC) Alhaji Mohammed Nalado thanked the Commission for a doing a thorough job in the registration of political parties.
“The Commission is doing everything possible to follow due process and we have assurance that other pending applications they have at hand will be treated in due course.”
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