These 23 political parties won't participate in governorship elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, made this known on Thursday, August 16, 2018.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, announced that the 23 newly registered political parties will not be allowed to participate in the governorship election in Osun State.

Reasons for stopping 23 parties from participating

Prof. Yakubu explained why the 23 political parties won't be participating in the Osun state governorship election.

The INEC chairman said the though the political parties have been registered, their registration didn't meet the deadline for submission of candidates for the governorship election.

ALSO READ: INEC issues Certificate of Registration to new parties

"Since the commission has closed nomination for the Osun State governorship election holding on September 22, 2018, none of you can sponsor a candidate for that election," Yakubu said.

The INEC Chairman, however, congratulated the leaders of the 23 new political parties after handing certificates to the newly registered parties.

He said, “The 23 political parties emerged out of 144 applications received by the commission so far from associations seeking registration as political parties.

“I wish to congratulate the chairmen and leaders of the new political parties for meeting the criteria enshrined in the constitution for your registration as political parties."

“Needless to add, from today, you are recognised as political parties under the law.

“From today also, you have equal status with any political party in Nigeria. This means you can sponsor candidates for elections including the 2019 general elections.

“From today, you are also members of the Inter-Party Advisory Council.”

Here are the 23 political parties barred from Osun governorship election