FASRAPP moves to sue INEC over exclusion of 157 Political Associations

…says ‘INEC is untrustworthy institution’

BY JUDE OSSAI / ENUGU

A group known as “Forum of Associations Seeking Registration As Political Parties (FASRAPP), has said it will soon begin a legal process against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for failure to register 157 Political Associations.

The delegation of the Forum led by its Chaiman Chief Barr John Nwobodo last Monday, visited the headquarters of INEC in Abuja expecting to receive official communication from INEC detailing reasons for disapproval of 157 Political Associations but were told to exercise patience.

“Expectedly, our doubts were confirmed following revelations that the letters have yet to be 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 said.

According to FASRAPP chairman, “This nonchalant and lackadaisical attitude of INEC portrays it as an untrustworthy institution.

“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.

“The Forum hereby issues INEC ultimatum to communicate the reasons for rejection of 157 Associations not later than Thursday, 18th September or face legal actions. One had expected that the reasons should be disclosed concurrently with the press release announcing their rejection last week Thursday”, Nwobodo stated.

Editor

Jude Ossai (JP) a veteran journalist is a National Diploma holder in Mass Communication from Ogwashi-Uku Polytechnic Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State. He also studied at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Enugu and Imo State University, Owerri for his first and second degrees in Mass Communication, respectively. He writes extensively on politics, crime, corruption, climate change, healthcare, human rights, social justice, among others.