The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it is currently reviewing a total of 122 applications from various associations seeking official recognition as political parties in Nigeria.
This update follows an earlier announcement on June 23, 2025, in which the Commission disclosed that it had received 110 applications.
In a statement released on Thursday by Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, the Commission confirmed that it has received an additional 12 applications as of Wednesday, July 2, 2025, pushing the total number of submissions to 122.
INEC reiterated its commitment to transparency and impartiality in processing the applications. The names, acronyms, addresses, and details of interim chairmen and secretaries of the applicant associations have been made publicly available on the Commission’s website and other official platforms.
“On Monday last week (23rd June 2025), the Commission announced that it had received applications from 110 associations seeking registration as political parties. We also assured Nigerians that we will be giving regular updates on the matter. The Commission is processing these applications transparently and in fairness to all applicants,” the statement read.
The electoral body emphasized that the registration process is guided by the Electoral Act as well as the 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties. It noted that changes in leadership within some of the applying associations are already affecting the process.
In one instance, INEC observed that an association replaced its interim Secretary after the individual defected to another group seeking registration.
While acknowledging such shifts, INEC cautioned applicant associations against making avoidable changes that could impede the progress of their applications. “To facilitate the consideration of these applications, the commission appeals to associations to maintain consistency of their proposed leadership and addresses so that they do not, by their own actions, cause a delay to the timely consideration of their applications,” the Commission stated.
As the process continues, INEC has pledged to keep the public informed and ensure that all applications are treated in line with existing legal and regulatory frameworks. The development comes at a time of increased political activity, with various movements and coalitions emerging ahead of the 2027 general elections.
What you should know
INEC is currently evaluating 122 applications from groups seeking to become political parties in Nigeria. The process is guided by transparency and legal standards, but the Commission has advised applicants to avoid internal leadership changes that could stall the approval timeline.
