INEC clears 14 associations in political party registration bid for 2025, while 157 fail to meet requirements. Final verification still underway
INEC political party registration 2025 efforts have advanced with 14 political associations clearing the initial screening phase, while 157 others failed to meet constitutional and legal requirements.
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The Independent National Electoral Commission announced the outcome during its regular meeting on Thursday, where it also reviewed preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and FCT Area Council polls.
In a statement signed by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, INEC confirmed it received 171 applications for political party registration.
Only 14 met the prima facie criteria based on provisions of Section 222 of the 1999 Constitution, Section 79 of the Electoral Act 2022, and the 2022 Guidelines for Political Parties.
“All applicants will be formally notified of the Commission’s decision within 24 hours,” Olumekun stated.
He added that interim leaders of the 14 pre-qualified groups have been invited for a briefing on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at INEC headquarters in Abuja.
However, INEC emphasized that this clearance is not a guarantee of registration.
A final determination will follow a physical verification process to confirm compliance with all legal and procedural requirements.
Among the successful associations are the African Transformation Party, All Democratic Alliance, Advance Nigeria Congress, and the Abundance Social Party.
Others include the Citizens Democratic Alliance, Green Future Party, and the Liberation People’s Party.
These groups must now prove they meet further conditions such as maintaining a national headquarters in Abuja, adopting a unique name and logo, demonstrating a nationwide presence, and having a constitution aligned with democratic values.
INEC reminded stakeholders that political party registration is an ongoing legal process, and parties that fail to meet benchmarks—especially following general elections—face deregistration.
In 2020, 74 political parties were delisted for not securing any seats in the 2019 elections or satisfying constitutional standards.
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As of the 2023 elections, only 18 political parties were officially recognised. The outcome of this verification will determine whether more names are added to that list ahead of the 2027 general elections.
