The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has firmly rejected widespread criticism regarding its handling of the registration of new political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The electoral body emphasized that adherence to constitutional provisions and statutory guidelines is paramount and will not be compromised under any circumstances.
In a statement released on Wednesday through its official account on 𝕏 (formerly Twitter), the commission clarified that no new political parties have been registered, countering online reports that falsely claimed the re-registration of the Independent Democrats (ID) and the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM).
“For clarity, the Commission has not approved the registration of any new political party. The total number of officially recognized political parties in Nigeria remains 19, and there have been no additions,” INEC stated.
INEC Clarifies Status of Deregistered Parties
INEC further explained that the two parties in question — ID and PDM — were initially registered in August 2013 but were deregistered in February 2020, alongside 70 others, under the provisions of Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
‘No Registration by Coercion or Propaganda,’ INEC Declares
Amid growing pressure from individuals, groups, and political coalitions seeking registration ahead of the next election cycle, INEC made it clear that the process of political party registration is a legal procedure, not one to be dictated by political sentiment or public outcry.
Speaking to The PUNCH, Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, stressed that political associations must focus on meeting legal criteria rather than issuing threats or attempting to manipulate public opinion.
“Registration is not granted by blackmail. Applicants must submit authentic and verifiable documentation and must meet all the legal requirements for registration,” Oyekanmi said.
He added that quality matters more than quantity in the registration process. It’s not how many groups apply that matters, but how many fulfill the established criteria.
Rising Accusations from Political Stakeholders
The commission’s position comes amidst a surge in allegations by prominent political figures who claim that INEC is deliberately stalling the registration of new parties.
Former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, in an interview on Arise TV, openly criticized INEC’s current leadership, accusing the Chairman of bias and political gatekeeping.
“If the current INEC Chairman had been in office in 2015, we wouldn’t have been able to register the APC. Jega gave us a fair process, but this man wouldn’t register you even if you followed all the rules,” Amaechi asserted.
Similarly, Seun Kuti, activist and son of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, also accused INEC of stifling political diversity. Kuti, who leads the Movement of the People (MOP), a political group rooted in his father’s legacy, argued that the lack of party registration since 2018 undermines democratic progress.
“No new party has been registered since 2018, while 72 were deregistered. This narrows citizens’ political options and threatens representative democracy,” Kuti lamented in a statement.
Other influential figures such as Babachir Lawal, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), and Salihu Lukman, a senior APC figure, have also criticized the commission’s reluctance to expand the political space.
INEC Lists Conditions for Political Party Registration
INEC has since reiterated the conditions required for an organization to be granted political party status, based on the 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties. These requirements include:
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Letter of Intent submitted at least 12 months before a general election.
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Payment of a mandatory administrative fee.
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Submission of documents online via a unique access code issued by INEC.
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Comprehensive documentation including:
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The proposed party’s constitution and manifesto.
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Evidence of lawful headquarters in Abuja.
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Register of members with full names, addresses, and contact information.
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Affidavit of authenticity signed by the group’s chairperson or secretary.
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Proof that the proposed National Executive Committee (NEC) satisfies the Federal Character principle, i.e., members from at least 24 states and the FCT.
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“Any discovery of falsified information or duplicate applications will lead to outright invalidation,” Oyekanmi warned.
He further assured the public that all applicants are given status updates on their registration processes in line with the stipulated timelines.
INEC Maintains Commitment to Transparency and the Rule of Law
The commission reiterated that its operations are strictly guided by the Constitution and the Electoral Act, and that it remains committed to transparency, accountability, and fairness in all its electoral activities.
“INEC will continue to discharge its responsibilities in accordance with the law. Our commitment to democratic principles remains unwavering,” the commission concluded.
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