From Premium Times Nigeria · Agency Report · · 1m 50s
Court dismisses suit seeking registration of new political party
Federal court rejects Wisdom Party's bid to register ahead of 2027 election.
In brief
Federal court rejects Wisdom Party's bid to register ahead of 2027 election. Federal High Court dismissed suit seeking registration of Wisdom Party as a political party 88 days before 2027 presidential election. Originally reported by Premium Times Nigeria.
Court dismisses suit
Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed suit seeking registration of Wisdom Party 88 days before 2027 presidential election.
Plaintiff's claim
Chinasa Nwekeke filed suit as protem national chairman of Wisdom Party seeking INEC registration.
Suit details
Plaintiff sought declaration that INEC's administrative fees for party registration were unreasonable and inconsistent with electoral law.
INEC's counter
INEC argued plaintiff's letter of intent lacked a party symbol and was invalid under electoral law.
Judge's ruling
Judge James Omotosho ruled INEC has legal authority to charge administrative fees for political party registration.
Key legal reasoning
Court cited judiciary's ability to charge fees despite federal funding as precedent for INEC's authority.
Suit dismissed
Court found plaintiff's claim lacked merit and suit became academic with no legal basis.
Nigeria's parties
Nigeria currently has 22 registered political parties including Wisdom Party.
Legal context
Plaintiff challenged INEC's administrative fee system under Sections 3(1), 3(2), and 75(6) of Electoral Act 2022.
INEC's position
![National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. [PHOTO CREDIT: Official X handle of Mr Ribadu | https://x.com/NuhuRibadu/status/1706387205881581715?s=20]](https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2024/02/Nuhu-Ribadu-NSA.jpg?w=1883&ssl=1)
INEC maintained failure to respond to letter of intent constituted no-objection to party name, symbol, and acronym.
Plaintiff's arguments
Plaintiff claimed INEC's failure to provide account details for fees was a waiver intended to frustrate registration.
Court's conclusion
Court held INEC's administrative fees are lawful and plaintiff's suit lacks merit.
Timeline
Suit filed on April 14, 2026, with general elections scheduled for January 2027.
Current status
Wisdom Party remains unregistered as political party ahead of 2027 presidential election.
At a glance
Federal High Court dismissed suit seeking registration of Wisdom Party as a political party 88 days before 2027 presidential election.
