The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that a total of 122 associations have applied for registration as political parties, following the submission of 12 new applications as of July 2, 2025.
This figure represents an increase from the 110 applications previously disclosed by the Commission on June 23. The latest batch includes associations such as the Democratic Alternative Party, I Love Nigeria, Integrity Party of Nigeria, National Youth Progressive Party, and Nigeria Farmers & Traders Progressive Party, among others.
In a statement released Thursday, Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, assured Nigerians that the registration process remains open, transparent, and fair.
“We have now received 12 additional applications, bringing the total to 122. The names, acronyms, addresses, interim chairmen, and secretaries of these associations have been published on our website for public access,” Olumekun stated.
He further reiterated that all applications would be considered in line with the Electoral Act 2022 and the Commission’s 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties.
However, INEC also flagged several irregularities in the documentation provided by many of the associations. Notably, 40 applications were missing the name of a protem national secretary, five lacked a protem chairman, and seven had neither position filled. In addition, four associations failed to provide an official address, and one application was submitted without a party logo.
More curiously, INEC identified three associations — the New Green Generation Party, New Green Congress, and New Green Coalition Party — that listed the same individuals as interim officers. Similarly, the Republican Party of Nigeria reportedly submitted two separate applications with differing leadership and addresses.
The Commission advised applicant associations to maintain consistency in their leadership and contact details to avoid delays or disqualification during the vetting process. “We urge all associations to ensure accuracy and consistency throughout the registration process. Any discrepancies could slow down or jeopardize the evaluation of their applications,” the Commission cautioned.
In a related development, INEC announced the release of Supplementary Regulations and Guidelines to clarify the implementation of Section 65 of the Electoral Act 2022. This section empowers the Commission to review any election result declared involuntarily or in violation of established legal procedures.
The new guidelines, titled “Supplementary No.1 to the Main Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections 2022,” provide a clearer framework for result reviews, timelines, and necessary documentation. These have also been uploaded to INEC’s official website and platforms for public access.
As the race towards the 2027 general elections begins to gather momentum, the influx of aspiring political parties signals a dynamic and competitive political landscape. However, INEC maintains that only those who meet the full requirements of the law will be granted registration.
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