By Abubakar Yunusa
The national leadership of Accord on Monday declared that the party cannot be de-registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission, insisting it has fulfilled all constitutional requirements to remain a recognised political platform.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Joseph Omorogbe, the party said there was “no basis whatsoever” for any move to strike it out of the register of political parties.
Omorogbe dismissed a suit filed by some individuals described as former lawmakers seeking the de-registration of certain parties, including Accord, over alleged failure to secure seats in the 2023 general elections.
He said, “In a public show of ignorance or mischief, some self-seeking politicians went to court in an attempt to de-register political parties, unaware that it is a mission impossible.”
The party noted that although it won the Ideato South State House of Assembly seat in Imo State in April 2023, the victory was later nullified by an election tribunal.
It, however, stressed that it secured two councillorship seats in Jigawa State during the October 5, 2024 local government elections, conducted by the state electoral commission.
According to the statement, Hon. Zahairu Usman and Hon. Isa Alhaji emerged winners in Ajaura Ward, Taura Local Government Area, and Kanwa Ward, Jahun Local Government Area, respectively.
Omorogbe argued that the victories satisfy provisions of Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines conditions under which a political party may be de-registered.
“It is evident that our great party has met this clear provision of the constitution and is therefore exempted from de-registration,” he said.
The party further described rumours of its planned de-registration as unfounded, urging Nigerians to disregard what it called “political mischief” by opponents.
Accord also took a swipe at the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice for allegedly backing the plaintiffs in the suit, describing the move as partisan and a “mockery” of the office.
The statement added that the party remains active and relevant, boasting one governor, one senator, six members of the House of Representatives, 24 state lawmakers in Osun State, and two councillors in Jigawa State.
Omorogbe said, “Accord is firmly rooted in the country’s democratic structure and continues to wax stronger daily.”
He added that the party was ready for future elections and called on Nigerians to align with its ideology of unity and progress.
