The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has pruned down the long list of groups aspiring for political relevance, shortlisting 14 associations out of 171 applicants seeking registration as political parties in Nigeria.
The development was contained in a statement issued on Thursday, September 11, 2025, by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee.
Olumekun disclosed that the decision followed the Commission’s strategic meeting in Abuja, where it reviewed its preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections, the end-of-tenure Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and considered reports on fresh applications for party registration.
According to INEC, the 14 successful associations met the preliminary requirements stipulated under Section 222 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Section 79 of the Electoral Act 2022, and the Commission’s 2022 Guidelines for Political Parties.
However, 157 other applications were thrown out for failing to meet the minimum constitutional and legal threshold. INEC confirmed that those affected would be formally notified within the next 24 hours.
The Commission further revealed that the names of the pre-qualified associations have been published on its official website and other communication channels. The interim chairmen and secretaries of the shortlisted groups have been summoned for a high-level briefing at INEC Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
INEC emphasized that the shortlisted groups have not yet attained full political party status, stressing that physical verification of their claims and structures across the country will be conducted before a final decision on their registration is made.
With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, political observers say the Commission’s move could significantly reshape Nigeria’s political landscape, as new parties jostle to challenge the dominance of the established big players.
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