Two more political parties were registered yesterday by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja to bring the total number of political parties in the country to 25.
The two new entrants to the political space are the Independent Democrats (ID) and the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM).
PDM, a political vehicle believed to be floated by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s associates in case his presidential ambition under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is not realized.
However, Mr. Atiku in a statement on Thursday issued by his spokesman – Garba Shehu – restated his loyalty to the ruling party although he concurred that his associates are behind the new party.
INEC Secretary, Mrs. Augusta C. Ogakwu in a statement said the new political parties were registered in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as Amended) and the Electoral Act 2010 (as Amended).
“The newly registered parties are the Independent Democrats (ID) and the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM).
“The Constitution, Manifesto, Logo/Flag and list of National Executive Officers of each party have also been approved by the Commission,” added the statement.