JUST IN: Promoters of new political party accuse INEC of delaying registration ahead of 2027

Promoters of a new political party have accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of delaying its registration ahead of the 2027 elections.

Modibbo Yakubun Farakwai, president of Team New Nigeria (TNN), says the new political party has more than 43 million registered members across the country.

Farakwai made the comment on Monday while delivering an inaugural address titled “Beyond Registration: Consolidating Our Numerical Strength and Strategic Partnerships for 2027.”

Farakwai said the movement is strengthening its internal structures and mobilisation networks as it prepares for future political engagements.

He said, “We stand here today at a defining intersection of history and destiny. The journey to birth a ‘New Nigeria’ is not for the faint-hearted; it is a marathon for the resilient, the visionary, and the brave.

“Today, we take a decisive step forward by strengthening our structural capacity to navigate the turbulent political waters ahead.

“It is my distinct honour to formally inaugurate the strategic engines of our movement, the organs that will drive our political engagement, policy formulation, and grassroots mobilisation as we approach the critical months ahead.”

The TNN president announced the inauguration of several strategic committees including the National Political Engagement Committee (NPEC), Nationwide Reliability Network Committee (NRNC), National Policy and Intellectual Engagement Committee (NPIEC), and the national conference organising committee.

He also unveiled mobilisation directorates for women, youths, students and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).

Farakwai said the party has met constitutional and statutory requirements for registration but has yet to receive approval from the electoral body.

His words: “Fellow compatriots, we must speak the unvarnished truth about our political reality. We have fulfilled every constitutional requirement and met every statutory obligation for registration.

“Yet, we sit here today facing an inexplicable delay from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Let us be clear: This is not a procedural failure.

“This is a tactical retreat by a terrified establishment. The ‘Old Order’ has seen our data. They have seen the faces of 43 million Nigerians rising as one.

“They have looked at our map and realized that there is no corner of this federation where Team New Nigeria does not breathe. They blocked our name because they fear our numbers.”

Farakwai said the party may explore coalition options with existing political platforms if the delay persists.

He stated: “They believe that by withholding a certificate, they can stop a revolution,. They are mistaken. A political party is not a piece of paper in an Abuja office; a political party is the collective heartbeat of the people.

“If they think they can trap us in a bureaucratic graveyard, they do not know the spirit of TNN. We will not wait for their permission to lead. If they deny us a name, we will use another.

“We will march under any banner that serves our purpose, but we will march with the same mission, the same muscle, and the same unstoppable force.

“Whether we arrive on the ballot as a registered party or as the soul of a formidable coalition, the result will be the same: The 43 million will be heard. Our numbers are the only mandate we need. We are not just moving; we are taking over.”

Farakwai said the movement has already activated political engagement mechanisms to explore partnerships with existing parties.

He noted: “In response to this delay, we have refused to be idle spectators. We have strategically activated high-level machineries to form a formidable coalition with existing political parties.

“Our National Political Engagement Committee is already in advanced talks to ensure that the TNN vehicle has a clear highway to the ballot.”

He said the party remains open to partnerships but will not compromise its principles, adding that the TNN’s membership spans all local government areas and electoral wards in the country.

He declared: “TNN is not a paper tiger. We are a movement of over 43 million registered members spread across all 774 Local Government Areas and 8,809 electoral wards in Nigeria.

“We are the largest organised political demographic in Nigeria today. Any party that partners with us inherits a grassroots army ready to deploy.

“We bring to the table not just a logo, but the voting strength of millions of Nigerians who are tired of the status quo and hungry for change.”