The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that 14 political associations have scaled the preliminary stage in their quest for registration as political parties, while 157 others failed to meet basic requirements.
The decision was taken at the commission’s regular meeting on Thursday, where it also reviewed preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council polls.
INEC said it received 171 applications, which were assessed for compliance with Section 222 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Section 79 of the Electoral Act 2022, and its 2022 Guidelines for Political Parties.
“Of the applications, 14 associations satisfied the preliminary legal and procedural criteria to move forward, while 157 did not,” National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, said in a statement. He added that all applicants will be notified within 24 hours.
The interim leaders of the pre-qualified associations have been invited to a briefing at INEC headquarters, Abuja, on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. However, Olumekun stressed that passing the first stage does not guarantee registration, as the commission will conduct physical verification of each association’s claims.
The cleared groups include the African Transformation Party, All Democratic Alliance, Advance Nigeria Congress, Abundance Social Party, African Alliance Party, Citizens Democratic Alliance, Democratic Leadership Alliance, Grassroots Initiative Party, Green Future Party, Liberation People’s Party, National Democratic Party, National Reform Party, Patriotic Peoples Alliance, and Peoples Freedom Party.
INEC reminded stakeholders that party registration is continuous but subject to strict conditions, including maintaining a national headquarters in Abuja, adopting a unique name and logo, proving nationwide membership, and submitting a constitution and manifesto consistent with democratic principles.
The commission also reiterated its power to deregister political parties that fail to meet constitutional thresholds. In 2020, it deregistered 74 parties for poor electoral performance and non-compliance. As of the 2023 general elections, Nigeria had 18 recognised political parties.
