INEC Advances 14 Political Associations, Rejects 157 Others
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has shortlisted 14 political associations for the next stage in their registration process as political parties, while disqualifying 157 others for failing to meet preliminary requirements.
The announcement followed INEC’s regular meeting on Thursday, during which it also reviewed preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship polls and the FCT Area Council elections.
According to a statement signed by Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, a total of 171 applications were received. The screening process assessed compliance with relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and the Commission’s guidelines.
Of the applications, only 14 associations met the initial legal and procedural criteria. INEC stated it would notify all applicants of the outcomes within 24 hours and has invited the interim leadership of the successful groups to a briefing on Wednesday, September 17, at its headquarters in Abuja.
Olumekun emphasized that this preliminary approval does not guarantee full registration. The next phase involves physical verification of claims made by the associations. Only after this process will a final decision be made.
The associations that advanced to the next stage include:
- 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
- Peoples Freedom Party
INEC reiterated that party registration is a continuous process but subject to strict legal requirements. These include a national headquarters in Abuja, a distinct name and logo, evidence of national spread and membership, and adherence to democratic values in their constitution and manifesto.
The Commission also reminded the public of its power to deregister non-performing or non-compliant parties, as it did in 2020 when 74 parties were delisted after the 2019 general elections.
As of the 2023 elections, Nigeria had 18 officially recognized political parties.
