Formation And Registration

Question 1

The key requirements under Section 222 of the 1999 Constitution for an association to function as a political party?

(Acronym: ROSNNH)

Answer 1

Registration of National Officers with INEC.
2. Open Membership to all Nigerians regardless of origin, gender, or religion.
3. Submission of the association’s Constitution to INEC.
4. Neutral Name, Symbol, and Logo (no ethnic or religious bias).
5. Notification of Constitutional Amendments within 30 days.
6. Headquarters must be located in Abuja.

Question 2

What is the role of INEC in political party formation and regulation?

Answer 2

registers, monitors, and regulates political parties to ensure compliance with constitutional and legal requirements.

Question 3

How has the process of political party registration evolved in Nigeria?

Answer 3

Before 1977, parties could form freely without registration.
• In 1977, registration became mandatory.
• The responsibility shifted from FEDECO (Federal Electoral Commission) → NEC (National Electoral Commission) → INEC (created by the 1999 Constitution).

Question 4

What sections of the 1999 Constitution give INEC the power to regulate political parties?

Answer 4

Section 40
Section 1(3)

Question 5

Section 40

Answer 5

Grants Nigerians the right to form or join political associations but allows regulation by INEC.

Question 6

Section 1(3)

Answer 6

Declares any law contradicting the Constitution as invalid, meaning INEC must act within constitutional limits.

Question 7

three main responsibilities of INEC

Answer 7

Formation and Registration

Inspection and Monitoring

Invalidation and Deregistration

Question 8

Steps in Registering a Political Party
FCRR

Answer 8

Formation – A group of people with shared political goals form an association.
2. Compliance – The association meets Section 222 requirements.
3. INEC Review – INEC verifies compliance.
4. Official Registration – INEC registers the association as a political party