Accord stands firm against deregistration warning, pointing to election successes

The Accord Party has rebuffed speculation surrounding its potential deregistration by the Independent National Electoral Commission, affirming that it satisfies all constitutional prerequisites to remain a registered political party in Nigeria.

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In a statement released on Monday, National Publicity Secretary Joseph Omorogbe denounced calls for the party's deregistration as unfounded and motivated by ignorance or political machinations.

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Omorogbe cited Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution, which stipulates that a political party can only be deregistered on specific grounds, including failing to secure at least one seat in local or national elections, or failing to meet a minimum vote threshold in presidential or governorship polls.

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According to Omorogbe, the Accord Party has met the constitutional requirements, thereby exempting it from deregistration by the electoral commission, and rendering speculation about its deregistration baseless.

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The party's leadership also addressed rumors that its potential deregistration was linked to an ongoing court case, which the Attorney General and Minister of Justice recently supported, stating that this development has no bearing on the party's status.

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Notable figures, including Osun State's Senator Ademola Adeleke, a Senator, six House of Representatives members, 24 State House of Assembly members, and numerous citizens, have joined the Accord Party, which champions progressive ideology and unity.

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Zahairu Usman and Isa Alhaji, both Accord Party members, won councillorship elections in Jigawa State, with the Jigawa State Independent Electoral Commission issuing certificates of return to the victorious candidates.

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The party also recalled its victory in the Ideato South State House of Assembly seat in Imo State on April 15, 2023, although the election tribunal later nullified the win.

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The Accord Party criticized a group of self-proclaimed former lawmakers for filing a lawsuit seeking the deregistration of several parties, including Accord, describing the move as legally flawed.

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The party further condemned the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice for backing the lawsuit, accusing him of partisanship and failing to verify the party's electoral records before taking a stance.

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According to Omorogbe, the Attorney General's actions constitute an attack on democracy and undermine the office of the Attorney General, as he sided with the plaintiffs despite being a defendant in the suit.

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The Accord Party noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission recently conducted its annual verification exercise at the party's national secretariat in Abuja, indicating the commission's recognition of the party's compliance with existing regulations.

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This development follows a recent move by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, who supported a lawsuit filed by former lawmakers seeking to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission to deregister the African Democratic Congress and four other parties.

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The Attorney General argued that the continued existence of these parties contravenes the 1999 Constitution and undermines electoral integrity, and that the court must intervene to prevent the Independent National Electoral Commission from acting in breach of its constitutional duty.

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The parties listed in the lawsuit include the African Democratic Congress, Action Peoples Party, Action Alliance, Accord Party, and Zenith Labour Party, with the Attorney General maintaining that he is obligated to uphold the Constitution and ensure compliance with the Electoral Act.