The Federal High Court has dismissed a suit filed by human rights lawyer Ejime Okolie against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and 19 political parties.
Okolie had challenged what he described as the “outrageous” expression of interest and nomination fees charged by political parties for members seeking elective positions.
In her judgment, Justice Binta Nyako ruled that the matter falls within the internal affairs of political parties, noting that courts should not interfere in such issues. She emphasized that the fees charged by parties, even if high, do not constitute a constitutional violation.
The judge observed that while all parties named in the suit were served, only a few responded, and some filed preliminary objections challenging Okolie’s legal standing to bring the case. She further noted that members dissatisfied with party practices are free to join another party.
Acknowledging Okolie’s effort in instituting the suit, Justice Nyako said the application was unsuccessful. Responding, the lawyer stated he accepted the judgment in good faith and noted that an appeal was not feasible due to the ongoing political activities.
Uche-Levis Abonyi, National Legal Adviser of the Young Progressives Party, described the ruling as sound, stressing that nomination and expression of interest fees are part of party operations and that members have the option to seek alternative political platforms.
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