INEC Clears Eight Political Associations for Next Stage of Party Registration, Disqualifies Six

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that eight political associations have successfully completed the first phase of Nigeria’s political party registration process, while six others were disqualified for failing to meet the initial requirements.

In a statement released on Thursday, Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, disclosed that the update followed the commission’s meeting held on October 30, 2025, to review progress since its last report on September 11.

According to Olumekun, 14 associations had been pre-qualified to participate in the process, which commenced with a formal briefing on September 17. A dedicated submission portal was subsequently opened between September 18 and October 18, during which associations were required to upload all necessary documents.

By October 19, eight associations had successfully completed the documentation phase. They are:

• All Democratic Alliance (ADA)
• Citizens Democratic Alliance (CDA)
• Abundance Social Party (ASP)
• African Alliance Party (AAP)
• Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA)
• Green Future Party (GFP)
• National Democratic Party (NDP)
• Peoples Freedom Party (PFP)

INEC stated that the next phase involves a thorough verification of the submitted materials to ensure compliance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties (2022).

“The next step in the registration process is the detailed assessment and verification of the information and documents submitted by each association,” the statement read. “This stage will ensure conformity with the relevant legal provisions and regulatory frameworks governing political parties in Nigeria.”

Olumekun reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and the deepening of democratic culture, emphasizing that the ongoing process reflects INEC’s dedication to fair play and due process.

He further revealed that INEC had earlier received a total of 171 letters of intent from associations seeking to be registered as political parties, underscoring the growing enthusiasm for political participation across the country.