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The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, dismissed a suit filed by a human rights lawyer, Ejime Okolie, against the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and 19 political parties.
Okolie had filed the case to challenge alleged imposition of outrageous expression of interest (EoI) and nomination fees for card-carrying members vying for political offices by parties in the country.
Justice Binta Nyako, in a judgment, dismissed the suit on the grounds that the issue raised by the lawyer falls extremely within the internal affairs of political parties and that the court would not interfere in such cases.
According to Justice Nyako, that the fees charged by a political party is too high does not amount to constitutional wrong.
The judge observed that though all the parties in the suit were duly served with court documents, only a few of them responded.
She said a few of the respondents filed preliminary objections where they challenged Okolie’s legal right to Institute the case.
The judge, therefore, said that political parties have their set rules and guidelines, even though the constitution gives everyone the right to associate.
She said a member is free to leave one party for another if he is unsatisfied with the way and manner a party conducts its affairs.
Justice Nyako, who appreciated Okolie’s efforts in instituting the suit, said the application failed to succeed.
Responding, the lawyer said he had taken the judgment in good faith.
Okolie said the court has the discretionary power to either grant or refuse his application.
He said he would have loved to appeal against the decision but there was no time because political activities had begun and his case might become academic at the Appeal Court.
“My interest is for democracy, for good governance and I have done my best for my nation,” he said in an interview.
Also speaking, the National Legal Adviser of Young Progressives Party (YPP), Uche-Levis Abonyi, described the judgment as “sound.”
“I quite agree with my lord because this matter is a matter that is exclusively within the affairs of political parties.
“INEC no longer funds political parties and the only way a political party makes money is through the nomination and expression of interest forms.
“So, it is a matter within the internal affairs of political parties.
“If a member feels this party is very expensive and he cannot run under their platform, there are several other political parties that you can fly their flags. That is why it is democracy,” he said.
Court dismisses suit against INEC, 19 political parties over exorbitant nomination fees
