The Democratic Network Initiative, DNI, has alleged that the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, may be connected to a lawsuit seeking the deregistration of six political parties ahead of future elections.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its National Coordinator, Bonniface Ekpeyong, the group described the legal action as a “tactical and legal manoeuvre” aimed at weakening opposition platforms.
The suit, reportedly filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), is seeking the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress, Accord Party, Action Alliance, Zenith Labour Party, Action Peoples Party and the Labour Party over alleged non-compliance with constitutional and electoral provisions.
However, the DNI claimed its suspicion is based on what it described as “established links” between leaders of the NFFL and Gbajabiamila.
“Our concern is not merely about the legal argument being canvassed in court. It is about the political undercurrents that appear to drive this action. The operational and leadership structure of the NFFL raises legitimate questions about whose interests are truly being advanced,” Ekpeyong said.
The group further alleged that many members of the NFFL belong to a broader parliamentary bloc said to be associated with Gbajabiamila, adding that the leadership of the forum is headed by Hon. Raphael Nnanna Igbokwe.
Ekpeyong called on the NFFL to reconsider its position, warning that the move could undermine political pluralism.
As of the time of filing this report, attempts to obtain a response from Hon. Raphael Igbokwe, Chairman of the NFFL Board of Trustees, were unsuccessful, as calls and messages seeking clarification were not returned.
