Hon. Obi Aguocha, the member representing Ikwuano, Umuahia North, and Umuahia South Federal Constituency delivered a powerful and decisive intervention today on the floor of the House of Representatives, leading the resistance against a controversial bill that sought to strip the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of its constitutional authority to register and regulate political parties in Nigeria.
In a bold and articulate submission, he highlighted the grave dangers of transferring such critical powers to the proposed, but yet to establish and unconstitutional “Office of the Registrar-General of Political Parties” — an entity potentially subject to undue executive influence and control of any party in the majority.
Hon. Aguocha warned that concentrating these functions in an office susceptible to partisan influence poses a serious existential threat to Nigeria’s democracy, particularly as the nation approaches the pivotal 2027 general election.
He further cautioned that the coexistence of two regulatory bodies would create confusion, conflict, and undermine public trust and confidence in the electoral system.
His principled stand resonated across the chamber, prompting many lawmakers to reject the consolidated Bills 1 to 7, thereby halting their progress and reaffirming the National Assembly’s responsibility to uphold and protect democratic institutions.
