The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced on Thursday that eight political associations have completed the first phase of the political party registration process, while six others were disqualified. The National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, disclosed this.
According to the statement, the commission, at its regular meeting held on October 30, 2025, reviewed the progress made since its previous update on September 11. Out of the 14 associations earlier prequalified for the exercise, which commenced with a briefing on September 17, only eight met the initial requirements.
A dedicated online portal for the submission of documents was open from September 18 to October 18, and by October 19, eight associations had successfully uploaded all required information and materials.
The qualified associations are 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 stated that the next phase of the process will involve a thorough review and verification of the submitted documents 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 stage is a detailed assessment and verification of the information and documents submitted by each association,” the statement noted, adding that this will confirm whether they meet all legal and procedural requirements.
Olumekun reaffirmed the commission’s dedication to “inclusivity, transparency, and the deepening of Nigeria’s democratic culture.”
INEC also recalled that it had previously received 171 letters of intent from associations seeking registration as political parties.
