A total of 136 applications from associations seeking registration as political parties are still pending before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), chairman of the commission, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, said yesterday.
Yakubu who made this known during the quarterly consultative meeting with political parties held at the Electoral Institute, Abuja, said out of the figure, 74 had failed the initial assessment of the suitability of their names and logos while 62 had passed.
According to him, nine associations had undergone verification of their offices and proposed leadership while 16 were either awaiting verification or were yet to supply supporting documents.
“We shall continue to operate within the ambit of the law in the registration of political parties,” Yakubu said.
He also disclosed that INEC had concluded work on the annual audit of the accounts of political parties for 2013, 2014 and 2015 with internal audit, internal control procedures and preparation of annual budgets as areas of focus.
“At this meeting, we shall share the findings of the external auditors with you. The maintenance of relevant books of accounts, fixed assets and membership registers. We believe you will find them useful, especially in strengthening compliance with the legal requirements on party and campaign finance,” he said.
He said the focus of the commission was the Ekiti State governorship election, adding that 35 political parties would field candidates for the election.
“So far, the commission has successfully implemented 12 out of the 14 activities outlined in the timetable and schedule of activities for the election released nine (9) months ago on 5th October 2017.
“The only outstanding activities are last day of campaign and election day scheduled for 12th and 14th July, 2018, respectively.
“We shall continue to implement all activities on schedule according to our timetable. I wish to thank all political parties for your support,” he said.
