The Movement, promoters of the proposed Access Party (AP), has rejected the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to halt its registration over an alleged logo clash with the Democratic Leadership Party. AP insists the two logos are distinct and that DLP is not a registered party. The group has demanded dialogue within seven days or vowed to head to court.
INEC, in a letter dated September 12 and received on September 19, said AP’s logo was “not suitable” and allegedly similar to that of the Democratic Leadership Party (DLP).
But in a statement signed by Barrister Bulama Bukarti, Chief Convener of The Movement and Pro tem National Chairman of AP, the group described the decision as “flawed, unjustifiable, and undemocratic.”
Bukarti argued that DLP is not an existing political party but merely an association seeking registration, listed as No. 73 in INEC’s June 2025 publication. “Only registered political parties can trigger conflicts under the law. DLP’s logo cannot legally stop another association from registration,” he said.
He also insisted that the two logos are “visually distinct.” According to him, AP’s logo features a green-and-white eagle head with bold text, while DLP’s has a blue bird silhouette with spread wings on a plain background.
“No reasonable person could confuse a soaring blue bird with a green-and-white eagle head, nor mistake ‘Access Party’ for ‘Democratic Leadership Party,’” Bukarti stated.
The group accused INEC of unfairness for halting the registration process outright instead of requesting an alternative logo. It warned that such actions narrow Nigeria’s democratic space and disenfranchise supporters seeking inclusion and reform.
The Movement disclosed that it has formally written to INEC, demanding a meeting within seven days. If the commission fails to respond, it said it would submit a new logo—without conceding to INEC’s position—and take legal action.
Bukarti called on supporters to remain calm, assuring them that AP would pursue its registration “in the most civilised and dignified manner.”
