The decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the All Progressives Congress (APC) Wednesday received kudos from many organisations and individuals.

Among those who welcomed the registration of the party, which was formed by leading opposition parties in the country were the Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives; Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) presidential candidate in the 2011 general election, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; ACN governorship candidate in the last governorship election in Ondo State, Chief Oluwarotimi Akeredolu; former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode and the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).

Ribadu Tasks APC on 2015 Elections

A chieftain of the newly registered APC, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has challenged party members to see the 2015 general election as a litmus test for the popularity of the opposition.

Ribadu in a statement by his media aide, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, expressed the hope that the new party would sweep the next general election.

He urged the opposition parties not see the registration of the party as an end but the beginning of the march towards enthroning good governance in the country.

House Caucus Hails Registration

The Minority Caucus in the House has hailed the registration of the APC, saying the registration has proven that the INEC could play the role of an impartial umpire.

House Minority Leader, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, described the registration of APC as the opening of a new chapter in Nigeria's democracy.

He said politics had just started because the new party was poised to provide an alternative platform to the electorate.

"INEC has to the extent of this registration proven its independence and we hope that this independence would endure throughout the remaining part of the electoral process leading to the 2015 polls," he said.

Deputy Minority Leader of the House, Hon. Abdurahman Kawu Sumaila, also commended INEC for registering the new party.

In a statement made available to journalists in Abuja, Kawu said INEC had lived up to expectations by performing its constitutional responsibility in spite of all the daunting challenges.

Fani-Kayode: It's a New Beginning

While welcoming the registration of APC, former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, described its birth as a new beginning for Nigeria.

The former minister, in a statement, said: "July 31, 2013 is the day the APC was registered in Nigeria. These are interesting numbers. This is the day that the Lord has made. We shall rejoice and be glad in it. We give thanks to God for the registration. Now is the time for a new beginning in our beloved country. Now is the time for change."

Akeredolu: Registration, Reward for Resilience, Patriotism

The Ondo State governorship candidate in the October 20, 2012 election in the state, Chief Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has hailed INEC's decision to register the APC.

Akeredolu in statement Wednesday, said the news of the registration of APC, coming after several months of apprehension and suspicion, was gratifying.

"This is the reward for resilience, remarkable sacrifice and patriotism on the part of the leaders of the defunct parties, which have now metamorphosed into a brand new party," he added.

CPC Chief Lauds INEC

The CPC governorship candidate in Ogun State, Mr. Olawale Okunniyi, has applauded INEC for registering APC as a new political party in Nigeria

In a statement in Lagos Wednesday by his media office, Okunniyi congratulated INEC Chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega, for taking the bold step to register APC in spite of all the bobby traps placed before him by those he described as "mischief makers."

Belgore: It's Victory for Democracy

The governorship candidate of ACN in the 2011 general election in Kwara State, Mr. Mohammed Dele Belgore (SAN), Wednesday hailed the decision of INEC to register APC.

In a statement in Ilorin by his media assistant, Mr. Rafiu Ajakaye, Belgore said the development was a victory for democracy and a new dawn in the political development of the country.

HURIWA Urges APC to Reflect Federal Character

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), while applauding the registration of APC, urged its leadership to restructure the party so that it would reflect federal character.

The association, in a statement Wednesday, said the party should see Nigeria as its constituency by vigorously working to establish its presence in all parts of the country, while its major national offices must not be skewed to favour any religious groupings of geo-political zones.

Party Chiefs in Enugu Rejoice

Opposition party leaders in Enugu State Wednesday expressed happiness with the registration of APC.

An ACN chieftain in the state, Adolphus Ude, said with the registration of APC, party members have now moved to the grassroots "to take the message of change down to the people."

Mr. Peter Okonkwo previously of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), said the constituent parties that formed the APC were now vindicated, adding that INEC had now insulated itself from undue pressure by upholding the rule of law as an independent body.