The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified that no association has formally applied for registration as a political party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This clarification comes amidst growing speculation surrounding the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), which is rumored to be linked to a powerful coalition of political figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi.
In a statement to The Nation, Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee, said:
“What we have received are only letters of intent, not formal applications. For any association to be registered as a political party, they must meet strict criteria as outlined by the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC guidelines.”
INEC’s Party Registration Process
INEC emphasized that no political association can be registered without fulfilling key legal and administrative steps:
- Submit a letter of intent with a proposed name, acronym, and symbol.
- Wait for INEC’s provisional approval within 90 days.
- Make administrative fee payments within 30 days of provisional approval.
- Submit Form EC 15A (1) and required documentation including:
- Constitution and manifesto
- Evidence of a national headquarters in Abuja
- A verified national executive from at least 24 states
- Membership register
- Indigene certificates and identity documents for executive members
Only after successful vetting and verification, including site visits and executive validation, can an association receive a certificate of registration.
Despite widespread reports that ADA is spearheading an emerging opposition alliance, INEC maintains that no official application has reached the commission.
“Submitting a letter of intent is only the beginning. The registration process only begins after all documentation and criteria are verified and fulfilled,” Olumekun reiterated.
He also debunked claims that over 100 political associations are being ignored, stressing that INEC is following due process and no association is above the law.
INEC’s regulations also provide for the rejection of applications that:
- Duplicate or resemble existing political party names or symbols
- Promote ethnic, religious, or sectional interests
- Contain false or misleading information
The Commission warned that any false declaration or multiple applications by the same individuals will lead to automatic disqualification and possible prosecution under the Electoral Act 2022.
As political movements gear up for Nigeria’s 2027 elections, INEC’s insistence on transparency and procedure is seen as a move to sanitize the process of party formation, especially amid fears of political interference.
For now, the ball remains in the court of aspiring political associations to follow the process and submit complete, verified applications to qualify for full registration.
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