The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed that 14 political associations have successfully advanced in their quest for registration as political parties, while 157 others fell short of the necessary criteria.
This decision was made during the commission’s regular meeting held on Thursday, where officials also discussed preparations for the upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and the Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory.
A statement issued by Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, indicated that INEC received a total of 171 applications from groups looking to register as political parties.
“Each application was evaluated for its initial compliance with Section 222 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), Section 79 (1, 2, and 4) of the Electoral Act 2022, and Clause 2 (i and ii) of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022,” the statement noted.
Out of these applications, 14 associations met the basic legal and procedural requirements to continue in the process, while the remaining 157 did not make the cut. INEC announced that all applicants would receive official notification of the outcome within 24 hours.
Olumekun also mentioned that the interim chairpersons and secretaries of the pre-qualified associations have been invited to a briefing set for Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at INEC's headquarters in Abuja.
However, he emphasized that passing this initial phase does not guarantee registration. “In addition to posting the required details on the portal, the commission will conduct a physical verification of all claims made by each association. The final decision on their eligibility will be determined after this verification to ensure full adherence to the legal framework,” he stated.
The associations that have qualified for the next step include the African Transformation Party, chaired by Ikhane Stanley, with Emmanuel Shaibu as secretary; the All Democratic Alliance, led by Chief Akin A. Ricketts with Abdullahi Musa Elayo as secretary; the Advance Nigeria Congress, represented by Mohammed Kabir and Chibuike Onyendilefu; and the Abundance Social Party, with Comrade Frank Oruwa and Sikiru Oripelaye as interim leaders.
Other groups in this category are the African Alliance Party, headed by Olusegun Peters with Haruna Abubakar as secretary; the Citizens Democratic Alliance, led by Engr. Muazu Magaji and Tamunotonye Inioribo; the Democratic Leadership Alliance, under Barr. Fortune Oghenegare Aghwaretoma with Munirat Adama as secretary; the Grassroots Initiative Party, represented by Nze Kanayo Chukwumezie and Mohammed Abas Kuti; and the Green Future Party, with Dr. Adebayo Adefolaseye and Peace Daful.