The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that the number of associations seeking registration as political parties has risen to 171, following the submission of 19 additional letters of intent.
In a statement on Thursday, the INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, said the updated list of applicants has been published on the commission’s website and other official platforms, adding that “Since our last update, 19 more letters of intent have been received, bringing the total to 171 as of September 3, 2025. Details of the latest submissions are available on our website”.
He further explained that a review committee had completed assessments of the applications and submitted recommendations for final consideration. He further cautioned applicants against actions that could delay the process, such as frequent logo or acronym changes and multiple applications.
Olumekun assured that the registration exercise would be conducted with transparency and fairness. Under the Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022, INEC is mandated to register only associations that meet strict requirements, including: Maintaining a national headquarters in Abuja, Having a distinct name, acronym, and logo, Demonstrating evidence of nationwide membership, and Possessing a constitution and manifesto in line with democratic principles.
Based on the Commission’s mandate, INEC reserves power to deregister parties that fail to meet basic standards. For example in 2020, 74 parties were deregistered for not winning seats in the 2019 elections while in 2023, only 18 were officially recognised.
The resent associations aspiring to form political parties reflect a wide political spectrum, with names such as Key of Freedom Party, Obedient People’s Party, Progressive Obedient Party, Socialist Equality Party, National Youth Alliance, Great Transformation Party, Reset Nigeria, Save Nigeria People Party, and Alliance for Youth and Women, amongst others.
However the observers say the surge underscores growing political interests across the country, but whether all 171 associations will meet INEC’s stringent requirements remains to be seen.
