The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is positioning the new Young Democratic Party (YDP) as its next joker in the bid to reschedule this year’s elections again.
The ruling party is believed to be the unseen hand directing 15 other political parties which are threatening poll boycott should the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) proceed with its plan to use Card Readers during the forthcoming elections .
But there were indications last night that INEC may not put YDP on the ballot for the March 28 and April 11 elections because its registration came after the nomination process had been concluded.
Besides, a top source in INEC said yesterday that the court did not give any order that the new party must be included on the ballot paper.
It was gathered that some top shots of PDP promoted YDP all the way until its registration.
Sources said the new party will be used to place legal hurdles before INEC to pave the way for another postponement of the elections.
It was gathered that the new party will soon file an application before a Federal High Court to compel INEC to include it on the ballot paper.
INEC may however go to the appellate court and ask for a stay of execution of the order registering YDP.
A top source said: “There is more to the registration of YDP. Some forces are using the new party to scuttle the electoral process and ensure another poll shift.
“Some elements in the Peoples Democratic Party have been fingered in the formation of the new party to box INEC into a corner legally.
“These same elements are sponsoring 15 political parties which are threatening boycott of the general election because of the use of Card Readers.
“If you look at the post-registration briefing of YDP, it is already asking INEC to reschedule the general election if it cannot accommodate it on the ballot paper.â€
But there were indications that INEC may not put YDP on the ballot paper.
A highly-placed source in the commission said: “To us, YDP was registered after the nomination process had closed. Were it not for security reasons, the poll would have been concluded in February and the question of participation in the general election would not have arisen. We cannot revisit the nomination of candidates for the general election because of this new party.
“There are also other conditions yet to be fulfilled by the party including holding of national convention, election of national officers and state officers of the party.
“Even if YDP is trying to take advantage of the law, YDP cannot meet up with Section 85(1) of the Electoral Act before the general election.
“Section 85(1) says: A registered political party shall give the commission at least 21 days notice of any convention, congress or conference or meeting convened for the purpose of electing members of its executive committees, other governing bodies or nominating candidates for any of the elective offices specified under this Act.â€
Responding to a question, the source added: “We have the latitude to file an appeal against the judgment of the lower court which gave YDP automatic registration.
“In doing so, we can ask for a stay of execution of the judgment. So, as some forces are planning to scuttle the general election, we are already exploring legal options to keep our plans intact.
“We will surely meet YDP in court on this matter.â€
