The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register Wisdom Party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Justice James Omotosho, in his judgment, held that the suit filed by the political association lacked merit and had become academic.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the plaintiff, Chief Mrs Chinasa Nwekeke, who described herself as the pro tem National Chairman of Wisdom Party, instituted the suit against INEC on April 14, 2026.
Nwekeke sought a court declaration that INEC’s failure to respond to the association’s letter of intent amounted to an acceptance of its proposed name, symbol and acronym.
She also challenged the commission’s authority to impose administrative fees on political associations seeking registration, arguing that the provision allowing such charges under Section 75(6) of the Electoral Act, 2022, was inconsistent with other provisions of the law.
The plaintiff further argued that INEC’s failure to provide its account details for payment of the registration fee amounted to a waiver and frustrated the association’s application.
She consequently asked the court to direct INEC to accept the association’s application for registration as a political party.
However, INEC, through its lawyer, Segun Bello, urged the court to dismiss the suit, arguing that the association’s letter of intent did not include the proposed party’s symbol and therefore failed to meet the legal requirements.
The commission also argued that granting the reliefs sought would not exempt the association from submitting a formal application in compliance with the law.
Delivering judgment, Justice Omotosho held that INEC had the authority to charge administrative fees for political party registration.
The judge explained that revenues generated by the commission could be paid into its statutory fund, adding that the receipt of government funding did not prevent a public institution from charging fees for certain services.
He cited the judiciary as an example, noting that although courts receive public funding, they also impose filing and processing fees.
“There is no express prohibition on the defendant to refrain from fixing administrative fees,” the judge said.
He consequently held that INEC was empowered to fix administrative fees for the registration of political parties.
“In final analysis, the claim of the plaintiff is without merit, and the suit has become academic.
“Consequently, the suit is hereby dismissed,” Omotosho ruled.
