Nigerian political movement seeking to register the Access Party has criticised the electoral commission’s decision to reject its application, describing the move as “unjustifiable” and “fundamentally flawed.”
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said in a letter dated Sept. 12 but received by the applicants on Sept. 19 that the party’s proposed logo was unsuitable and too similar to that of the Democratic Leadership Party (DLP).
In a statement signed by Barrister Bulama Bukarti, PhD, Chief Convener of The Movement and pro tem national chairman of the Access Party, the group rejected INEC’s reasoning.
“DLP is not an existing political party under the law,” Bukarti said, citing constitutional and electoral provisions that apply only to conflicts with registered parties. “Its logo cannot legally preclude another association from pursuing registration.”
He argued that the two symbols were clearly distinguishable, saying: “No reasonable person could conclude that a soaring blue bird is the same as a green-and-white eagle head, nor confuse the names ‘Access Party’ and ‘Democratic Leadership Party.’ INEC’s claim of similarity is plainly unjustifiable.”
The statement also accused INEC of undermining due process by discontinuing the registration instead of requesting a new design. “This is a deliberate attempt to turn back the clock and frustrate our application,” Bukarti said.
The group said it had formally written to INEC requesting a meeting within seven days and warned that it would submit an alternative logo and take legal action if the issue was not resolved.
“Denying registration on such spurious grounds disenfranchises our supporters and narrows the democratic space,” Bukarti added.
The Movement urged its members and supporters to remain calm, stressing that it remained committed to pursuing justice, fairness and democracy “in the most civilised and dignified manner.”