INEC Clears 14 Groups For Party Registration, Rejects 157

The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced that 14 political associations have crossed the first stage of registration as political parties, while 157 others failed to meet the basic requirements.

The decision was reached at INEC’s regular meeting on Thursday, where the commission also reviewed plans for upcoming governorship elections in three states and the Area Council polls in the Federal Capital Territory.

According to the commission, a total of 171 associations submitted applications seeking registration. Each request was assessed for compliance with the constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC’s own regulations. Out of these, only 14 satisfied the preliminary conditions to proceed to the next stage. INEC said all applicants will be formally notified of the outcome within 24 hours.

The commission has invited interim leaders of the successful associations to a briefing on September 17 at its headquarters in Abuja. However, INEC cautioned that clearing the first hurdle does not guarantee full registration. It explained that it will physically verify the associations’ claims, including their membership strength, national spread, and existence of a functional headquarters in Abuja, before making a final decision.

The associations that advanced to the next stage include the African Transformation Party, All Democratic Alliance, Advance Nigeria Congress, Abundance Social Party, African Alliance Party, Citizens Democratic Alliance, Democratic Leadership Alliance, Grassroots Initiative Party, Green Future Party, Liberation People’s Party, National Democratic Party, National Reform Party, Patriotic Peoples Alliance, and Peoples Freedom Party.

INEC stressed that registration of political parties is a continuous process, but groups must meet strict requirements such as adopting a unique name and logo, submitting a democratic constitution and manifesto, and proving a nationwide presence. It also reminded stakeholders that parties that fail to meet standards can be deregistered, as seen in 2020 when 74 parties lost their status for underperformance in the 2019 elections.

Nigeria currently has 18 recognised political parties, a number that could rise if the new associations meet the final conditions set by the commission. For many observers, the development signals another round of political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.