The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that the number of associations seeking registration as political parties has risen to 171. This follows the submission of 19 additional letters of intent, according to a statement released on Thursday by the commission’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun.
Olumekun explained that the updated list has been published on INEC’s website and official platforms for public access. He added that a review committee had already completed its assessment of the applications and submitted recommendations to the commission for further consideration. A shortlist of pre-qualified associations, he said, is being finalised for the next stage of the registration process.
The commissioner cautioned applicants against practices that could slow down the process, such as frequent changes to logos, acronyms, and addresses or multiple applications submitted by the same group. He also noted that defections among interim leaders to other associations or existing political parties had further delayed the process for some applicants.
Despite these challenges, Olumekun assured that INEC remains committed to transparency and fairness. “We will treat all applications equitably and continue to update Nigerians on every step,” he said. He urged associations to remain patient while the process is concluded.
Under the provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022, INEC is mandated to register political parties that meet strict requirements. These include maintaining a national headquarters in Abuja, adopting a distinct name and logo, demonstrating evidence of nationwide membership, and presenting a constitution and manifesto consistent with democratic principles. The commission also has the authority to deregister parties that fail to meet these standards.
In 2020, for example, INEC deregistered 74 political parties for failing to win seats in the 2019 general elections or for not complying with constitutional requirements. By the 2023 elections, only 18 political parties were officially recognised.
The latest applications submitted to the commission reflect a wide range of political ambitions. Some of the proposed names include the Key of Freedom Party, All Grassroots Party, United Social Democrats Party, Patriots Party, Progressive Obedient Party, Socialist Equality Party, Pink Political Party, Far Right Party, Village Intelligence Party, and the Republican Party of Nigeria. Others, such as the Young Progressive Empowerment Initiative, Peace Unity and Prosper Culture, Abiding Greatness Party, Guardian Party, and Nigeria Liberty Movement, also feature among the growing list.
With the number of associations now standing at 171, the country’s political space could see a major expansion if a significant number of them scale through INEC’s rigorous vetting process.
