Finally! INEC Recognizes Youth Party

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday, recognized the Youth Party (YP) as the 19th political party in the country.

A statement issued on Thursday by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee of INEC, Festus Okoye, said the decision was the result of a meeting held by the commission.

Recall that the YP was registered on August 16, 2018 by virtue of the judgement of the Federal High Court, which was delivered on October 16, 2017.

However, following the INEC decision to deregister some parties in accordance with the country’s constitution, the Youth Party approached the Federal High Court and secured an order restraining the commission from deregistering it.

On appeal by the commission, the Court of Appeal set aside the order of the Federal High Court, and on further appeal by the party, the Supreme Court set aside the deregistration of the party.

Based on the judgement of the Supreme Court, the commission interfaced with officials of the Youth Party on the modalities for its operation based on the constitution, the Electoral Act 2022 and the regulations and guidelines of the commission.

Consequently, the commission, during its meeting, finally recognized the party in Nigeria with all the rights and privileges accorded political parties in Nigeria.