The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that only 14 associations out of the 171 groups that applied to become political parties have been shortlisted for further screening.
This was revealed in a statement signed by Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, following the Commission’s meeting held on Thursday, September 11, 2025.
According to Olumekun, the Commission’s meeting focused on preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections, the Area Council election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and reviewed the status of new applications submitted by associations seeking to register as political parties.
Out of 171 applications received, only 14 associations met the initial legal and regulatory requirements. The Commission stated that these successful groups fulfilled the conditions outlined in:
Section 222 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended)
Section 79 of the Electoral Act, 2022
The remaining 157 associations failed to meet the basic criteria and were disqualified at the first stage of the screening. INEC said that the affected groups would be officially notified within 24 hours.
The names of the 14 pre-qualified associations have already been published on INEC’s official website and social media platforms. Their interim chairmen and secretaries have also been invited to attend a briefing session at INEC headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
According to the Commission, this next stage involves a more detailed verification process, including the physical inspection of the claims made by each group. This means that INEC officials will visit the offices and check documents submitted by the applicants to confirm their legitimacy before making a final decision on whether or not to register them as political parties.
INEC emphasized that registering political parties is a serious constitutional responsibility and that it would not lower standards or overlook irregularities in the process. “Only those who meet the full requirements of the law and our guidelines will be registered,” the statement read.
INEC also reminded Nigerians that political party registration is not just about paperwork. Associations must show that they have the structure, spread, and intention to truly function as national political parties—not just platforms for election-season activities.
Under Nigerian law, any group that wants to become a political party must meet strict conditions. These include having:
A national outlook (offices in at least two-thirds of the 36 states and the FCT)
A written constitution and manifesto
Evidence of financial responsibility and an organisational structure
These requirements are aimed at ensuring that only serious and credible associations can participate in Nigeria’s political process.
In recent years, INEC has de-registered dozens of political parties that failed to win any elections or maintain a functional presence, especially after the 2019 and 2023 general elections.
If any of the 14 shortlisted associations are fully approved, they will join Nigeria’s list of registered political parties and be allowed to field candidates in elections, starting with local council or off-cycle polls. However, INEC’s cautious approach signals that no association will be registered without passing all stages of scrutiny.
