92
By Tracy Moses
The Democratic Network Initiative (DNI) has expressed concern over a lawsuit aimed at deregistering six political parties, suggesting that the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, could be linked to the legal action.
In a statement issued Tuesday, and signed by its National Coordinator, Bonniface Ekpeyong, the group described the suit as “a tactical and legal manoeuvre” designed to weaken opposition parties.
The six political parties targeted in the lawsuit include the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Alliance, Zenith Labour Party, Action Peoples Party, and the Labour Party.
The case was reportedly filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), which has asked the court to deregister the parties over alleged breaches of constitutional and electoral regulations.
Ekpeyong, however, said the DNI’s concerns extend beyond the legal claims, pointing to what he described as “political motives underlying the action.”
He questioned the structure and operations of the NFFL, noting that they raise doubts about whose interests are being served.
The statement further alleged that most NFFL members are part of a larger group called the Joint Task Parliamentary Group, which DNI claims is “controlled and sponsored” by Gbajabiamila.
“The suspicion gains weight considering that the NFFL’s leadership consists of individuals widely recognized as a ‘crack team’ within the Joint Task group, commonly referred to as ‘Gbaja Boys,’ under the leadership of Hon. Raphael Nnanna Igbokwe,” Ekpeyong said.
Attempts to reach Raphael Nnanna Igbokwe, Chairman of the NFFL Board of Trustees, for comment were unsuccessful. Calls and messages sent to him had not been returned as of press time.