Setback For Ngoforo Suit, As INEC Lists APP, Others for Abuja Polls

The legal challenge questioning the legality and eligibility of the Action Peoples Party (APP), reportedly linked to a group led by Mr. Franklin Ngoforo, has suffered a major setback following the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to clear the party for the forthcoming Abuja Area Council elections.

INEC, in an official statement, confirmed that it has approved 17 political parties, including the Action Peoples Party (APP), to participate in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council polls, having met all constitutional and electoral requirements.

The Commission stressed that only political parties that fully complied with the provisions of the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and INEC guidelines were cleared, noting that the exercise was conducted strictly in line with the law.

Among the political parties listed by INEC are the All Progressives Congress (APC), Action Peoples Party (APP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and several others, bringing the total number of eligible parties to 17.

The development is widely seen as a blow to the suit instituted by Mr. Franklin Ngoforo at the Federal High Court, Owerri, which sought to challenge the participation and recognition of APP in the electoral process on the claim that the party had been deregistered by INEC.

By listing the APP among the cleared parties, INEC has effectively reaffirmed the party’s legal status and eligibility to field candidates for both chairmanship and councillorship positions across the six Area Councils of the FCT.

INEC also reiterated its commitment to conducting a transparent, credible, and peaceful election, urging political parties, candidates, and their supporters to adhere strictly to electoral rules and avoid actions capable of undermining the integrity of the process.

As the election date draws closer, political activities are expected to intensify, with stakeholders positioning themselves for what is anticipated to be a keenly contested Abuja Area Council election.