INEC clears eight groups in fresh political party registration process

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that eight out of the fourteen new political associations seeking registration have completed and uploaded all required documentation.

The Commission disclosed this in a statement titled “Update on the Registration of Political Parties”, signed by the Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, on Thursday.

According to INEC, the eight groups that met the stipulated requirements include the All Democratic Alliance, Citizens Democratic Alliance, Abundance Social Party, African Alliance Party, Democratic Leadership Alliance, Green Future Party, National Democratic Party, and Peoples Freedom Party.

INEC explained that the process has now advanced to the assessment and verification phase, where all documents and details submitted by the groups will be scrutinised to ensure compliance with the law.

“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 provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties (2022),” INEC added.

Providing an update on the timeline, the electoral umpire recalled that a briefing session was held for the 14 pre-qualified associations on Tuesday, September 17, 2025, after which the Commission opened its dedicated portal for document uploads.

“Following the briefing held for 14 pre-qualified associations on Tuesday, 17th September 2025, the Commission opened its dedicated portal for the upload of required documents from Wednesday, 18th September to Friday, 18th October 2025, at midnight.

“As of Saturday, 19th October 2025, eight (8) out of the fourteen (14) pre-qualified associations successfully completed the upload of all necessary information and documentation,” the statement noted.

Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and democratic development, INEC said the exercise aligns with its broader mission to strengthen Nigeria’s political landscape through due process.

The Commission emphasised that it remains guided by the law and its internal regulations in evaluating applications for new party registration.

“INEC remains committed to inclusivity, transparency, and the strengthening of Nigeria’s democratic culture,” Olumekun stated.