The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that 14 political associations have successfully passed the initial screening stage in their pursuit of full political party registration, while 157 others failed to satisfy the basic legal and procedural requirements.
This decision emerged during INEC’s routine meeting held on Thursday, where the commission also reviewed its readiness for the forthcoming off-cycle governorship elections and the end-of-tenure Area Council polls in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In a statement issued by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, the commission confirmed that it had received a total of 171 applications from associations seeking recognition as political parties.
“Each request was assessed based on its prima facie compliance with the provisions of Section 222 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), Section 79 (1, 2 and 4) of the Electoral Act 2022, and Clause 2 (i and ii) of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022,” the statement read.
According to INEC, only 14 associations met the preliminary conditions set out in the law, thereby qualifying them to move to the next phase of verification. The remaining 157 associations fell short of the stipulated standards. The commission assured that all applicants, whether successful or unsuccessful, would be formally notified of the outcome of their applications within 24 hours.
As part of the next steps, INEC has invited the interim chairmen and secretaries of the 14 pre-qualified associations to a crucial briefing slated for Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at its headquarters in Abuja.
Olumekun, however, cautioned that clearing this initial stage should not be mistaken as a guarantee of final approval. He emphasized the commission’s thorough verification process. “In addition to uploading the required information to the portal, the commission will physically verify all claims by each association. The final determination of their registrability will be made after this verification to ensure full compliance with the legal framework,” he said.
The 14 associations advancing to the next stage include:
- African Transformation Party, chaired by Ikhane Stanley with Emmanuel Shaibu as secretary.
- All Democratic Alliance, led by Chief Akin A. Ricketts with Abdullahi Musa Elayo as secretary.
- Advance Nigeria Congress, represented by Mohammed Kabir and Chibuike Onyendilefu.
- Abundance Social Party, with Comrade Frank Oruwa and Sikiru Oripelaye as interim leaders.
- African Alliance Party, headed by Olusegun Peters with Haruna Abubakar as secretary.
- Citizens Democratic Alliance, led by Engr. Muazu Magaji and Tamunotonye Inioribo.
- Democratic Leadership Alliance, under Barr. Fortune Oghenegare Aghwaretoma with Munirat Adama as secretary.
- Grassroots Initiative Party, represented by Nze Kanayo Chukwumezie and Mohammed Abas Kuti.
- Green Future Party, with Dr. Adebayo Adefolaseye and Peace Daful.
- Liberation People’s Party, chaired by Hon. Alani Akinde with Douglas Aji as secretary.
- National Democratic Party, with Hon. Ada Okwori and Asuquo Edet Alexander at the helm.
- National Reform Party, led by Abdulkadir Mohammed with Destiny Ormonigho Odugo.
- Patriotic Peoples Alliance, represented by Hon. John Ughulu and Jackie Wayas.
- Peoples Freedom Party, chaired by Engr. Agbanifo Francis Akhigbe, with Akintola Michael Alao as secretary.
INEC underscored that the process of political party registration remains continuous under Nigerian law. Associations aspiring to become political parties must meet stringent conditions such as maintaining a functional national headquarters within the FCT, adopting distinct names and logos that do not conflict with existing parties, demonstrating verifiable national presence and membership, and submitting a constitution and manifesto that align with democratic principles.
The commission further reiterated that compliance does not end at registration. Political parties are continuously monitored and can face deregistration if they fail to uphold the requirements of the law, particularly following general elections. In 2020, INEC deregistered 74 political parties for failing to secure any seats in the 2019 elections and for not meeting constitutional benchmarks.
As of the 2023 general elections, Nigeria had 18 officially recognized political parties. With this new wave of applications, the political space may expand, but only those associations that fully comply with Nigeria’s legal and constitutional standards will eventually be granted registration.
The commission reassured Nigerians that its role remains to safeguard democracy by ensuring that only credible associations with the capacity to operate as true political parties are admitted into the system. This, according to INEC, is vital in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process and ensuring that elections are competitive, transparent, and inclusive.
