LEADERS of some opposition political parties on Tuesday said that INEC’s registration of more political parties was in the interest of Nigeria’s democracy.

The leaders told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that although time might be short for the parties to market themselves, the registration would allow more participation in the 2019 General Elections.

The Lagos State Chairman of United Democratic Party, Mr Anthony Emechebe, said that more political parties would increase people’s interest to vote in the elections.

“More political parties will enhance participation,’’ he said, urging all stakeholders to allow people’s votes to count.

The Lagos State Chairman of New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Malam Shakirudeen Olofin, said that more political parties would give more choices to members of the electorate.

“INEC, being the umpire in elections, was not empowered to reject registration of any association, though the time may be short for the parties to showcase the qualities,” Olofin said.

The NNPP chairman urged INEC to ensure proper handling of the election processes.

The Lagos State Chairman of Masses Movement of Nigeria, Mr Okuntili Moses, said: “Nigeria is operating a multi-party system; in the light of that, we are free to have more political parties, but when you consider their performances so far, Nigeria is tilting to a two-party system.

“The reason is that we have two very strong and big parties while others are just appendages.’’

However, the Lagos State Chairman of People’s Democratic Movement, Dr Akin Badmus, said that Nigeria did not need many political parties.

“About sixty-eight political parties, and more to be registered, is too much.

“l don’t see any reason INEC should continue to register more parties.

“INEC should find a way to de-register some of the parties because it will be difficult for INEC to have the names of all the parties on ballot papers during elections,” Badmus said.

He called on the National Assembly to amend laws that allowed more political parties.

NAN reports that there are 68 registered political parties in Nigeria at present. More associations have applied to INEC to be registered as political parties. NAN

– Feb. 6, 2018 @ 19:49 GMT |