The National Freedom Party has faulted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for rejecting its application for registration as a political party, citing similarities between its logo, a zebra, and the horse logo of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
The party held a press conference at its national secretariat in Abuja, where it raised concerns about the procedural mechanism used by INEC to reject its application.
According to Engr. Donnie Oluwafemi Akingbade, the National Publicity Secretary of the National Freedom Party, the party applied for registration in July 2023 and received an acknowledgement from INEC. However, after more than two years without communication from INEC, the party was informed that its application had been rejected due to the alleged similarity between its logo and that of the SDP.
Akingbade pointed out that the party had complied with all the necessary requirements for registration as stipulated in the Electoral Act. He cited specific sections of the Act to show that the party had met all the conditions for registration and should have been granted approval by INEC.
The party’s Protem National Chairman, Dr. Anthony Harmattan, called on President Tinubu and the international community to intervene and ensure that the party is registered in accordance with the law. He warned that any further delay in the registration process could jeopardise the upcoming 2027 elections.
The National Freedom Party emphasised that its goal is to promote freedom and dignity for all Nigerians and work with the government to improve the lives of the people. It urged INEC to reconsider its decision and register the party without further delay.
