De-Registration Of Political Parties Unconstitutional – Lawyers

Some Lawyers in Lagos have criticised the de-registration of 28 political parties by INEC and
described it as a  disregard to the
constitution.

INEC had on December 6, announced the
de-registration of 28 political parties out of the 56 registered political
parties in the country.

A Lagos-based lawyer and human rights
activist, Mr Spurgeon Ataene, told newsmen that the electoral body’s action was
contrary to the provisions of Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution as amended,
“which guarantees every citizen of Nigeria, a right to peaceful assembly and
association.’’

He said: “The right and freedom to
assembly and association as guaranteed by the constitution, allowed every
Nigerian citizen to associate, and this association include the establishment
and membership of political parties in the country.’

He said the action was an infringement
on constitutional right of the people.

Another lawyer, Mr Anthony Makolo, said
that every politician in the country has a right to contest for political
positions under any platform “because he or she has the freedom to
associate.’’  Makolo said that whether a
political party emerged as winner for any political position in Nigeria or not,
it should have no bearing with the functions of INEC, which has the primary duty
to conduct elections in the country. “I think these political parties have an
undiluted right to come under whatever platform they deem fit in engaging in
political activities in the country.