12 New Associations Seek Registration as Political Parties Within One Week— INEC

12 New Associations Seek Registration as Political Parties Within One Week— INEC

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed that 12 new associations have applied for registration as political parties within just one week, bringing the total number of applications to 122 as the country gears up for the 2027 elections.

This announcement was made on Thursday in a statement signed by INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information & Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, following the Commission’s regular weekly meeting.

Olumekun provided an update on the ongoing party registration process and the supplementary regulations regarding the review of election results.

The Commission had on Monday last week announced that it had received 110 applications to the same effect but as of Wednesday this week, the number has surged to 122.

“The Commission is processing these applications transparently and in fairness to all applicants.

“Meanwhile, the Commission has since received 12 more applications for registration as political parties as of yesterday, Wednesday 2nd July 2025, bringing the total number of applications to 122.

“The list of the new applications by names of associations, their acronyms, addresses, and interim Chairmen and Secretaries has been uploaded to our website and other platforms for public information. We will respond to these applicants in line with the Electoral Act and  Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022,” Olumekun stated.

The Commission noted that one association had already changed its interim Secretary due to a defection to another group.

“To facilitate the consideration of these applications, we appeal to associations to maintain consistency in their proposed leadership and addresses so that they do not inadvertently cause delays in the timely consideration of their applications,” he urged.

During the meeting, INEC also discussed the need for clarity regarding the review of election results.

Olumekun further explained that the proviso to Section 65 of the Electoral Act 2022 empowers the Commission to review declarations and returns in elections that are not made voluntarily or are contrary to the law, regulations, and guidelines.

To address the various interpretations of Section 65, INEC  issued supplementary regulations and guidelines to clarify procedures and timelines for the review process.

“Clear procedure and timelines have now been provided, the details of which are contained in Supplementary No.1 to the main Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections 2022. As approved by the Commission, the supplementary regulations and guidelines have been uploaded to the Commission’s website and other platforms for public information,” Olumekun confirmed.