INEC Announces 14 Political Party Registrations, Rejects 157 Applications

Abuja, September 11, 2025 – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) today announced the pre-qualification of 14 associations to proceed to the next stage of political party registration. A total of 171 requests for registration were received, but 157 were deemed not to meet the necessary criteria.

The decision, made during a regular commission meeting today, is based on the associations' compliance with Section 222 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended), Section 79 (1, 2, and 4) of the Electoral Act 2022, and Clause 2 (i and ii) of the Commission's 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties.  

"Each request was assessed on the basis of its prima facie compliance with the relevant provisions," said Sam Olumekun, mni, National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC's Information and Voter Education Committee. "The final determination of registrability will follow a physical verification of all claims by each association."

INEC will notify all applicants of the outcome within 24 hours. The list of the 14 pre-qualified associations is now available on the Commission's website and other official platforms.

The interim chairmen and secretaries of these pre-qualified associations are invited to a briefing on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 11 a.m. at INEC headquarters in Abuja. At this briefing, INEC will verify claims from the associations in person.

INEC reiterates that the process is ongoing, and welcomes further applications that meet the established criteria.