The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to resume the registration of the Access Party (AP) and provide the organization with the necessary Access Code to finalize its status as a political party.
This ruling follows a legal challenge initiated by Dr. Audu Bulama-Bukarti and Mevon Samuel, who contested INEC’s decision to halt the party’s registration due to disputes over its logo, which features an animated eagle’s head.
In his judgment on Wednesday, Justice Obiora Atuegwu Egwuatu found that INEC’s move to stop the registration was “ultra vires, unlawful, and inconsistent” with the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act.
The court determined that the party’s logo was distinct and compliant with legal requirements, dismissing INEC’s comparison to an unregistered association as “arbitrary, unreasonable, and a violation of the principles of natural justice.”
The court nullified INEC’s previous decision and ordered the commission to pay costs of ₦500,000.00.
Dr. Bulama-Bukarti, the pro tem National Chairman of the party, celebrated the decision as a significant milestone, stating: “Today’s judgment is a victory not just for Access Party, but for every Nigerian who believes that the right to form and belong to a political party is a fundamental constitutional right that cannot be arbitrarily extinguished by any government agency.”
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He added, “INEC is a creation of the Constitution and must operate within its boundaries. The court has affirmed that no bureaucratic irregularity can be used as a tool to suppress political participation. We are gratified, and we look forward to taking our place in Nigeria’s political arena.”
Urging swift compliance, Bulama-Bukarti emphasized, “I urge INEC to respect the decision of this court and act on it immediately. The 2027 elections are around the corner, and every day of delay is a day stolen from millions of Nigerians who wish to participate in the democratic process through Access Party.”
He continued,“INEC must issue our Access Code promptly and expedite all remaining processes so that we can complete our registration and take our rightful place in the 2027 general elections. We will be watching, and so will the Nigerian public.”
Jude Akpevweoghene-Daniel, lead counsel for the plaintiffs, noted the importance of the ruling, asserting, “The court has sent an unambiguous message: administrative bodies in Nigeria must act lawfully, fairly and within the confines of enabling statutes.”
He further remarked, “INEC cannot invent extra-legal tests to block the registration of a political association that has fulfilled every constitutional and statutory requirement. This is a victory for the rule of law, and we are proud to have secured it for our clients and for Nigerian democracy.”
The verdict is seen as a pivotal precedent for the registration of future political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
