INEC Confirms 171 Groups Seeking Political Party Registration
by Ige Sunday
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that 171 associations have formally expressed interest in becoming registered political parties, following the submission of 19 additional letters of intent.
In a statement on Thursday, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, said the updated list of applicants has been published on the commission’s website and other official platforms.
“Since our last update, 19 more letters of intent have been received, bringing the total to 171 as of September 3, 2025. Details of the latest submissions are available on our website,” Olumekun said.
According to him, a review committee set up by the commission has completed its assessment of applications and submitted recommendations for further consideration. “As earlier announced, a shortlist of pre-qualified associations is being finalised for the next stage of the registration process,” he added.
Olumekun urged aspiring parties to exercise patience and avoid actions that could slow down the process. “Frequent changes to logos, acronyms, and addresses, or multiple applications by one association, only cause delays. In some cases, interim leaders have defected to other associations or existing parties, further slowing down the process,” he warned.
He assured applicants that INEC would treat all requests fairly. “We will treat all applications equitably and continue to update Nigerians on every step,” he said.
Under the Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022, only associations that meet strict requirements, including having a national headquarters in Abuja, a distinct name and logo, proof of nationwide membership, and a constitution and manifesto aligned with democratic principles, can be registered as political parties. The commission also retains the power to deregister those who fail to meet the standards.
In 2020, INEC deregistered 74 parties for failing to win seats in the 2019 elections or to comply with constitutional requirements. By the 2023 elections, only 18 parties were officially recognised.
The latest submissions reflect the diversity of Nigeria’s political ambitions, with names ranging from the Key of Freedom Party, Absolute Congress, and United People’s Victory Party to the Socialist Equality Party, Obedient People’s Party, and Great Nigeria Party. Others include the National Youth Alliance, Access Party, Save Nigeria People Party, Citizens Progressive Party, Abundance Africa Alliance, and Peoples Democratic Congress, among many more.