Hobnob News – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that 14 political associations have advanced to the next stage of registration as political parties, while 157 others have been disqualified for failing to meet basic requirements.
The decision was reached at INEC’s regular meeting on Thursday, where the commission also reviewed preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and end-of-tenure Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In a statement signed by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, INEC disclosed that it received 171 applications from associations seeking registration. Each application was assessed for compliance with Section 222 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Section 79 of the Electoral Act 2022, and the Commission’s 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties.
According to Olumekun, only 14 associations satisfied the preliminary legal and procedural criteria to move forward, while the remaining 157 fell short. He noted that all applicants will be formally notified within 24 hours.
The interim chairmen and secretaries of the pre-qualified associations have been invited to a briefing on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at INEC headquarters in Abuja. However, the commission cautioned that passing the first stage does not guarantee registration.
“In addition to uploading the required information to the portal, the commission will physically verify all claims by each association. Final determination of their registrability will only be made after this verification to ensure full compliance with the legal framework,” Olumekun stated.
Among the associations that scaled through are:
African Transformation Party (Ikhane Stanley, Emmanuel Shaibu)
All Democratic Alliance (Chief Akin A. Ricketts, Abdullahi Musa Elayo)
Advance Nigeria Congress (Mohammed Kabir, Chibuike Onyendilefu)
Abundance Social Party (Comrade Frank Oruwa, Sikiru Oripelaye)
African Alliance Party (Olusegun Peters, Haruna Abubakar)
Citizens Democratic Alliance (Engr. Muazu Magaji, Tamunotonye Inioribo)
Democratic Leadership Alliance (Barr. Fortune Oghenegare Aghwaretoma, Munirat Adama)
Grassroots Initiative Party (Nze Kanayo Chukwumezie, Mohammed Abas Kuti)
Green Future Party (Dr. Adebayo Adefolaseye, Peace Daful)
Liberation People’s Party (Hon. Alani Akinde, Douglas Aji)
National Democratic Party (Hon. Ada Okwori, Asuquo Edet Alexander)
National Reform Party (Abdulkadir Mohammed, Destiny Ormonigho Odugo)
Patriotic Peoples Alliance (Hon. John Ughulu, Jackie Wayas)
Peoples Freedom Party (Engr. Agbanifo Francis Akhigbe, Akintola Michael Alao)
INEC reiterated that party registration is a continuous process and associations must meet stringent conditions, including maintaining a national headquarters in Abuja, proving nationwide membership, adopting a unique name and logo, and submitting a constitution and manifesto aligned with democratic principles.
The commission reminded stakeholders that non-compliance could lead to deregistration. In 2020, INEC deregistered 74 political parties for failing to meet constitutional requirements or win seats in the 2019 general elections.
As of the 2023 elections, Nigeria officially recognised 18 political parties.
About The Author
