INEC Confirms 171 Associations Now Seeking Political Party Registration

The race to secure political party status in Nigeria has intensified, with the number of associations applying for registration rising to 171, following the submission of 19 fresh letters of intent. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed this development on Thursday.

According to INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, the updated list has been published on the commission’s website and other official platforms. “Since our last update, 19 more letters of intent have been received, bringing the total to 171 as of September 3, 2025. Details of the latest submissions are available on our website” he said.

Olumekun explained that the review committee set up by the commission had concluded its assessment of applications and submitted recommendations for final consideration. A shortlist of pre-qualified associations, he added, is being finalised for the next phase of the registration process.

While urging applicants to remain patient, he cautioned against actions that could delay approval, such as repeated changes to logos, acronyms, or addresses, as well as multiple applications from the same association. He also noted that defections by interim leaders to other associations or existing parties had slowed progress in some cases.

Reassuring stakeholders, Olumekun stated: “We will treat all applications equitably and continue to update Nigerians on every step.”

Under the Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022, INEC registers only associations that meet strict criteria, including a functional national headquarters in Abuja, distinct names and logos, evidence of nationwide membership, and a constitution and manifesto consistent with democratic principles. The commission also reserves the power to deregister parties that fail to meet these standards. Notably, 74 parties were deregistered in 2020 for failing to win seats in the 2019 elections or to comply with constitutional provisions, leaving only 18 officially recognised by the 2023 polls.

The latest wave of proposed parties reflects diverse political ambitions, with names ranging from the Key of Freedom Party, Absolute Congress, United People’s Victory Party and Obedient People’s Party to the Republican Party of Nigeria, Socialist Equality Party, Great Nigeria Party, Progressive Obedient Party and Guardian Party, among many others.