BREAKING: Supreme Court Upholds Deregistration Of 74 Political Parties

The Supreme Court on Friday reaffirmed a ruling by the Court of Appeal in support of the deregistration of 74 political parties.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 2020 deregistered the political parties over their inability to win any election during the 2019 general elections.

In the judgment delivered by Justice China Nweze, the Supreme Court, on Friday, said deregistration of NUP, one of the 74 parties, was in line with the laws and compliance with the extant provisions of the Constitution and Electoral Act.

The judgment was delivered virtually by a five-man panel led by Justice Mary Odili.

Justice Adamu Jauro delivered the lead judgment which was on the appeal filed by the NUP and others.

The apex court said the deregistration of the parties was done in line with the laws and compliance with the extant provisions of the Constitution and Electoral Act.

It said INEC was empowered by Section 225 (a) of the Constitution to de-register any political party that fails to meet the relevant requirements.

The apex court then dismissed the parties’ appeal.