The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has vowed to appeal against the reversal of deregistration of 22 political parties by the Court of Appeal.

The Court of Appeal had on the 10th of August, 2020 set aside the decision of the High Court and reversed the deregistration of the 22 political parties on the basis that the deregistration of the parties was done ultra vires the powers of INEC and accordingly ordered their reinstatement.

However, in a statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voters Education Committee, Festus Okoye, INEC said there are two conflicting judgements regarding the deregistration of the political parties

“Recall that on July 29, 2020 the Court of Appeal, Abuja Judicial Division in an appeal filed by the National Unity Party (NUP) affirmed the powers of the Commission (INEC) to deregister political parties that fail to meet the constitutional threshold in section 225A. Dissatisfied with the judgment the National Unity Party lodged an appeal which is presently pending before the Supreme Court.

“The Commission is therefore faced with two conflicting judgments from the Court of Appeal, one affirming the powers of the Commission to deregister political parties and the other setting aside the deregistration of ACD & 22 others.”

Okoye said INEC is not in a position to choose which of the two judgements to obey. The Commission will therefore appeal to the Supreme Court for final decision on the matter.

“Faced with two conflicting judgments from the same Court , the Commission is not in a position to pick and choose which one of them to obey

“Consequently, the Commission will approach the Supreme Court for a final resolution of the issues raised in the two conflicting judgements.” Okoye said

He also said INEC is focusing on preparations against the governorship elections of Edo and Ondo states slated for 19th September and 10th October, 2020 respectively and assured Nigerians that INEC will deliver on its mandate