
Raphael Kanu
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has shaken Nigeria’s political scene with the announcement that only 14 political associations out of 171 applicants have scaled the first hurdle in their quest for registration, while a staggering 157 others were disqualified for failing to meet requirements.
The decision was reached at INEC’s regular meeting on Thursday, where preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and the Federal Capital Territory’s end-of-tenure Area Council elections were also reviewed.
In a statement signed by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, the commission confirmed that every application was assessed in line with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC’s 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties.
“Each request was assessed based on its prima facie compliance with the provisions of Section 222 of the Constitution, 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 read.
INEC disclosed that the interim chairmen and secretaries of the pre-qualified 14 associations have been invited for a crucial briefing scheduled for Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at its headquarters in Abuja.
Olumekun, however, warned that passing the first stage does not guarantee registration:
“In addition to uploading the required information to the portal, the commission will physically verify all claims by each association. The final determination of their registrability will be made after this verification to ensure full compliance with the legal framework.”
The 14 Associations That Survived
Among those who scaled through are:
African Transformation Party (ATP) – Ikhane Stanley (Chairman), Emmanuel Shaibu (Secretary)
All Democratic Alliance (ADA) – Chief Akin A. Ricketts (Chairman), Abdullahi Musa Elayo (Secretary)
Advance Nigeria Congress (ANC) – Mohammed Kabir (Chairman), Chibuike Onyendilefu (Secretary)
Abundance Social Party (ASP) – Comrade Frank Oruwa (Chairman), Sikiru Oripelaye (Secretary)
African Alliance Party (AAP) – Olusegun Peters (Chairman), Haruna Abubakar (Secretary)
Citizens Democratic Alliance (CDA) – Engr. Muazu Magaji (Chairman), Tamunotonye Inioribo (Secretary)
Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) – Barr. Fortune Oghenegare Aghwaretoma (Chairman), Munirat Adama (Secretary)
Grassroots Initiative Party (GIP) – Nze Kanayo Chukwumezie (Chairman), Mohammed Abas Kuti (Secretary)
Green Future Party (GFP) – Dr. Adebayo Adefolaseye (Chairman), Peace Daful (Secretary)
Liberation People’s Party (LPP) – Hon. Alani Akinde (Chairman), Douglas Aji (Secretary)
National Democratic Party (NDP) – Hon. Ada Okwori (Chairman), Asuquo Edet Alexander (Secretary)
National Reform Party (NRP) – Abdulkadir Mohammed (Chairman), Destiny Ormonigho Odugo (Secretary)
Patriotic Peoples Alliance (PPA) – Hon. John Ughulu (Chairman), Jackie Wayas (Secretary)
Peoples Freedom Party (PFP) – Engr. Agbanifo Francis Akhigbe (Chairman), Akintola Michael Alao (Secretary)
INEC reminded applicants that registering a political party is a rigorous process, requiring:
A functional national headquarters in Abuja
Nationwide membership and presence across states
A unique name, acronym, and logo
A constitution and manifesto consistent with democratic values
The commission also emphasized that deregistration is a continuous process, citing its 2020 action that saw 74 political parties scrapped for failing to meet constitutional requirements or win any seats during the 2019 general elections.
As of the 2023 elections, only 18 political parties were officially recognised in Nigeria. With this fresh development, the number of parties could rise significantly if the 14 new associations pass the final verification process.
INEC’s move has already sparked debate among political observers, who say the growing number of parties could either deepen Nigeria’s democracy or further fragment opposition votes ahead of the crucial 2027 general elections.