The Forum of Associations Seeking Registration as Political Parties (FASRAPP) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of betraying public trust after the commission failed to communicate reasons for disapproving the applications of 157 political associations.
A delegation of the forum, led by its chairman, Chief Barr. John Nwobodo, visited INEC headquarters in Abuja on Monday, expecting to receive official communication detailing the grounds for rejection. To their shock, the commission admitted that the letters had not yet been written.
“We were persuaded to exercise patience that the letters will be ready soon and that the associations will be invited to come pick them up,” Nwobodo revealed after the visit.
Last Thursday, INEC had announced the rejection of 157 associations that had applied for registration as political parties. At the time, the commission promised that all affected groups would receive official communication within 24 hours. However, five days later, no such letters have been sent.
“This nonchalant and lackadaisical attitude of INEC portrays it as an untrustworthy institution,” the forum declared. “Just last Thursday, the same INEC stated in the following words: ‘The Commission shall officially communicate the decision arising from today’s meeting to all the associations in the next 24 hours.’ Next 24 hours meant Friday the day after. It is 120 hours today yet no single communication has been sent to any political association.”
FASRAPP has now issued INEC an ultimatum, demanding that the commission provide reasons for the rejection of the 157 associations no later than Thursday, September 18, or face legal action.
“One had expected that the reasons should be disclosed concurrently with the press release announcing their rejection last week Thursday,” the forum added.
