The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that 14 political associations have successfully scaled the first stage of requirements in their bid to be registered as political parties. However, 157 other associations failed to meet the criteria set by law.
The decision was announced after INEC’s regular meeting on Thursday, where it also reviewed preparations for the upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and the end-of-tenure Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In a statement signed by Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, the commission disclosed that it received 171 applications for political party registration.
“Each request was assessed based on its prima facie compliance with the provisions of Section 222 of the 1999 Constitution (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 read.
Associations Cleared for the Next Phase
According to the 9am News report, the 14 associations that met the initial requirements include:
- African Transformation Party (ATP) – chaired by Ikhane Stanley with Emmanuel Shaibu as secretary.
- All Democratic Alliance (ADA) – led by Chief Akin A. Ricketts with Abdullahi Musa Elayo as secretary.
- Advance Nigeria Congress (ANC) – represented by Mohammed Kabir and Chibuike Onyendilefu.
- Abundance Social Party (ASP) – with Comrade Frank Oruwa and Sikiru Oripelaye as interim leaders.
- African Alliance Party (AAP) – headed by Olusegun Peters with Haruna Abubakar as secretary.
- Citizens Democratic Alliance (CDA) – led by Engr. Muazu Magaji and Tamunotonye Inioribo.
- Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) – under Barr. Fortune Oghenegare Aghwaretoma with Munirat Adama as secretary.
- Grassroots Initiative Party (GIP) – represented by Nze Kanayo Chukwumezie and Mohammed Abas Kuti.
- Green Future Party (GFP) – chaired by Dr. Adebayo Adefolaseye with Peace Daful as secretary.
- Liberation People’s Party (LPP) – chaired by Hon. Alani Akinde with Douglas Aji as secretary.
- National Democratic Party (NDP) – led by Hon. Ada Okwori with Asuquo Edet Alexander.
- National Reform Party (NRP) – headed by Abdulkadir Mohammed with Destiny Ormonigho Odugo.
- Patriotic Peoples Alliance (PPA) – represented by Hon. John Ughulu and Jackie Wayas.
- Peoples Freedom Party (PFP) – chaired by Engr. Agbanifo Francis Akhigbe with Akintola Michael Alao as secretary.
INEC clarified that while these groups passed the first hurdle, the process is far from complete. The commission will carry out physical verification of their claims, including proof of nationwide membership, a functional national headquarters in the FCT, and constitutions consistent with democratic principles.
Olumekun stressed that passing the preliminary stage does not guarantee recognition as a political party. “The final determination of their registrability will be made after this verification to ensure full compliance with the legal framework,” he said.
INEC reminded stakeholders that registration is an ongoing process and that it routinely deregisters political parties that fall short of constitutional standards. For example, in 2020, 74 parties were deregistered after failing to win any seats in the 2019 general elections.
As of the 2023 general elections, Nigeria had 18 recognised political parties. With these new associations under review, the number could rise significantly ahead of the 2027 elections if they meet all requirements.
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