Our Correspondent, Abuja
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 constitutional and legal requirements.
The decision was reached at the commission’s regular meeting on Thursday, during which it also reviewed preparations for the forthcoming off-cycle governorship polls and the end-of-tenure Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
171 Applications, Only 14 Survive First Cut
In a statement signed by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, INEC revealed that it had received 171 applications from political associations seeking recognition.
“Each request was assessed based on its prima facie compliance with the provisions of Section 222 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Section 79 of the Electoral Act 2022, and Clause 2 of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022,” the statement noted.
Of the total applications, 14 met the preliminary criteria and will proceed to the next phase, while 157 fell short. The commission confirmed that all applicants will be formally notified of their status within 24 hours.
Not Yet Registered
INEC cautioned that clearing the initial stage does not amount to full registration. “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,” Olumekun explained.
The interim chairmen and secretaries of the pre-qualified associations have been invited to a briefing at INEC headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, 17 September.
Associations That Made the List
Among the associations cleared for the next stage are:
- African Transformation Party (ATP) – led by Ikhane Stanley and Emmanuel Shaibu
- All Democratic Alliance (ADA) – headed by Chief Akin A. Ricketts with Abdullahi Musa Elayo
- Advance Nigeria Congress (ANC) – led by Mohammed Kabir and Chibuike Onyendilefu
- Abundance Social Party (ASP) – represented by Comrade Frank Oruwa and Sikiru Oripelaye
- African Alliance Party (AAP) – chaired by Olusegun Peters with Haruna Abubakar
- Citizens Democratic Alliance (CDA) – under Engr. Muazu Magaji and Tamunotonye Inioribo
- Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) – led by Barr. Fortune Oghenegare Aghwaretoma and Munirat Adama
- Grassroots Initiative Party (GIP) – represented by Nze Kanayo Chukwumezie and Mohammed Abas Kuti
- Green Future Party (GFP) – with Dr. Adebayo Adefolaseye and Peace Daful
- Liberation People’s Party (LPP) – chaired by Hon. Alani Akinde with Douglas Aji
- National Democratic Party (NDP) – led by Hon. Ada Okwori and Asuquo Edet Alexander
- National Reform Party (NRP) – headed by Abdulkadir Mohammed and Destiny Ormonigho Odugo
- Patriotic Peoples Alliance (PPA) – under Hon. John Ughulu and Jackie Wayas
- Peoples Freedom Party (PFP) – chaired by Engr. Agbanifo Francis Akhigbe and Akintola Michael Alao
Context
Political party registration in Nigeria is a continuous process, but INEC has repeatedly stressed that only associations meeting strict conditions—including maintaining a national headquarters in the FCT, proving nationwide membership, and submitting democratic constitutions and manifestos—will be recognised.
The commission reminded stakeholders that it also has the power to deregister political parties that fail to meet these standards, particularly after general elections. In 2020, for instance, INEC deregistered 74 political parties for poor performance and non-compliance.
As of the 2023 general elections, Nigeria had 18 recognised political parties. The outcome of this latest process could reshape the country’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.