The National Conscience Party, NCP, has faulted the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on de-registration of political parties.
National Chairman of the party, Dr Yinusa Tanko, who kicked against the stand of INEC while speaking at the party's congress held at the Freedom Park, Osogbo, Osun State yesterday, argued that it was unconstitutional for the commission to deregister a political party on the grounds that it did not win a House of Assembly election.
According to him, Section 77 of the Electoral Act, which stipulates winning of a House of Assembly seat as a prerequisite to exist as a political party contravenes the 1999 constitution of Nigeria.
"The existence of a political party should be viewed from the grassroots-local government and wards, where party members do meet and contribute to finance the party. De-registration of a political party goes against the spirit and principle of democracy and since the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of association, INEC lacks the power to de-register any political party," he said.
Also speaking, the former Chairman of the NCP in Osun State, who is the incumbent National Vice Chairman of the party in the South-West, Alhaji Waheed Lawal, said: "There is need for change of leadership at the Federal Government for rededication to the development of the country.
"It is unfortunate that President Goodluck Jonathan, who we thought would alleviate the sufferings of the masses and address series of identified problem militating against the development of the nation, has been carried away by his greed for power and the bid to secure the PDP presidential ticket for second term.
"The selfishness of the President has blindfolded him to recognise projects and programmes that will develop the country. President Jonathan's administration has even worsened the condition of the country, considering the spate of insecurity, corruption, international embarrassment and increase in the cost of living, ever since he became the President.
"Nigeria needs no weak, clueless and impractical president. We need a leader that is proactive, progressive and one that can restore patriotism in the hearts of Nigeria.
We need a leader that can bring back patriotism among Nigerians and damn the consequence of good governance. Nigeria, as at present is nothing but a failed nation."
National Mirror