The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed that it has received 171 letters of intent from associations seeking registration as new political parties in Nigeria.
The disclosure was made in a statement released on Thursday following the Commission’s weekly meeting in Abuja. INEC also confirmed the receipt of 19 additional applications, bringing the total number to 171 as of 3 September 2025.
The full list of applicant associations has already been uploaded on the INEC website, the Commission said.
According to INEC, a shortlist of pre-qualified associations is currently being finalised for the next phase of the registration process. However, the Commission emphasised that many of the applicants have not met the legal and procedural requirements outlined for political party registration under Nigerian law.
“The Commission is diligently reviewing the submissions and will soon release a shortlist of pre-qualified associations that meet the constitutional and legal criteria,” INEC stated.
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The Commission also noted that the registration process has faced delays due to internal changes within some of the associations, including leadership changes and defections to other groups or existing political parties.
“Some associations have changed their interim leadership, following defections to other associations or even existing political parties, thereby delaying the process,” the Commission added.
INEC has appealed to all concerned associations to exercise patience while their applications are being processed. The Commission assured that the public will be kept fully informed of all developments and decisions related to the registration process.
This growing interest in political party formation comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, with civil society actors calling for broader political inclusion and ideological diversity.
