INEC Registers ID, PDM As New Political Parties

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has registered two new political parties in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as Amended) and the Electoral Act 2010 (as Amended). 

This is according to a statement released by the Secretary to the Commission, Mrs. A.C. Ogakwu which further mentioned the two new parties registered as the Independent Democrats (ID) and the Peoples’ Democratic Movement (PDM).

She stated also that the commission approved, apart from the  names, the Constitution, Manifesto, Logo/Flag and list of National Executive Officers.

The commission yesterday in a press statement signed by Mr Kayode Idowu, the Chief Press Secretary to Professor Attahiru Jega on behalf of the commission ‘vehemently’ refuted claims that it registered the Peoples’ Democratic Movement (PDM), purportedly floated by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a claim that the former Vice-President has distanced himself from when he declared his loyalty to the ruling party, the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday.

He said, in his words that ‘‘INEC by law receives applications for party registration… no party identity or their promoters have been approved’’.

It was noted by political analysts that the choice of Atiku Abubakar as running mate to Obasanjo in 1999 was a recognition of the active role of the PDM platform in his victory.

The PDM also played active roles of in the country’s democratic transition from the Babangida, Abacha and Abdulsalami administrations, a platform founded by late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, which provided the impetus for his impressive performance across the country during the September 1992 presidential primaries, which were later cancelled by the military regime.

The late General Yar’Adua came close to becoming President, with the help of the formidable PDM structure. In 1999, the PDM was also part of the force behind the emergence of former President Obasanjo as PDP presidential candidate.

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