In a significant development that could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed receiving a total of 110 applications from associations seeking registration as political parties.
The disclosure was made by the Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, on Monday, 23rd June 2025, during a stakeholders' briefing held at INEC headquarters in Abuja.
According to Prof. Yakubu, INEC has acknowledged all but six of the applications, which were received more recently and will be formally acknowledged before the end of the week. He stressed that all applications are being processed in strict compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, as well as INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties (2022 edition).
"We are diligently processing the requests in line with the procedures outlined in the law and our regulations. The handbook containing the guidelines is already available on our website for public access," Yakubu said.
In a move aimed at promoting transparency and public participation, the Commission has also released the full list of the 110 associations seeking registration. The list includes the proposed names, acronyms, addresses, and names of Chairmen and Secretaries of each association.
The complete list is being uploaded to the INEC official website and social media platforms, while hard copies have been distributed to stakeholders at the meeting for immediate reference.
This surge in applications comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with a dynamic political climate and growing calls for reform and inclusion. Analysts suggest that the high number of applications could reflect increasing public interest in political participation, as well as dissatisfaction with the current political options.
Political observers are keenly watching how many of these associations will meet the stringent conditions laid out by INEC. Under the Electoral Act, associations seeking registration must meet several criteria, including a national spread, functional offices in two-thirds of Nigeria’s states, and internal democracy mechanisms.
If approved, the new parties would join Nigeria’s existing roster of registered political parties and could become players in future electoral cycles, particularly in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.
Prof. Yakubu concluded by advising all interested groups and the general public to consult the INEC website for details and updates.
"We encourage transparency, and that’s why all information, including the full list of applicants and our requirements, is made available for public scrutiny,” he added.
As the vetting process begins, political watchers and citizens alike will be paying close attention to which of these 110 groups will emerge as viable political parties capable of making a mark on Nigeria's democratic journey.