Ahead of 2019 general elections, five political  associations  parties  have successfully scaled the hurdles of registration into political parties set by the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC).

A source at the Commission revealed that among the lucky political parties is the much touted mega party, Action Democratic Party, (ADP). Others are , ADPM,  NGP, APDA , and YPP.

Nigerian Tribune gathered that  INEC’s  Director of Voters’  Education and Publicity, Mr. Oluwole Osage-Uzi  had last April  disclosed that that 16 of  the 91 associations had paid the statutory fee of  N1 million while 12 of them were undergoing verification.

Nigerian Tribune further gathered that besides the five new political parties, about  seven other associations  whose applications are pending are undergoing verification.

The   source further  disclosed Peoples Trust, All Blending Party, Peoples Alliance for National Development & Liberty, All Grassroots Alliance, Grassroots Development Party of Nigeria, New Progressive Movement, and Movement for the Restoration and Defence of Democracy as associations that may also very soon emerged as new political parties.

Speaking with Nigerian Tribune on phone, Chief Press Secretary  to INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi did not reveal the identity of the lucky associations, but confirmed the figure. But he assured that the commission would soon come out with details of the new parties.

Meanwhile, INEC  has inaugurated  a 16 man planning committee for the 2019 general elections. According to a statement signed by Prince Adedeji Soyebi , National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee. Professor  Okechukwu Ibeanu,  will serve as Chairman of the Committee which has the Commission Director, Planning and Monitoring, Mr Ndeche Okechukwu as secretary.

Inaugurating the Committee,  INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu called the members to immediately devote themselves to ensuring that the 2019 general elections were better than the previous ones. He also charged them to commence the implementation of the Strategic Plan 2017 – 2021 and to ensure the actualization of all its envisaged goals.

He  further  noted that  with the inauguration of the Committee, and the approval of the Strategic Plan, the Commission “is now in an election mode.”

Chairman of the Committee, Prof. Okechukwu Ibeanu while thanking the Commission for the opportunity to serve, promised that the members would immediately devote themselves to the onerous task of making the 2019 general elections a successful one. He said the members regard the assignment as a great honour and privilege for which no stone would  be left unturned to achieve the Commission’s goals.

The  Committee,  according  to its terms of reference,  is expected to coordinate all Departmental and State inputs into the planning of elections; monitor the performance of the two-year budget estimates for the general elections, identify gaps and advise the Commission appropriately.

It must also produce a comprehensive, costed Election Project Plan (EPP) for the Commission’s approval and ensure the integration of the EPP and the EMS for effective implementation and monitoring.

Tribuneonlineng