151 New Political Parties Seek Registration For 2027 Nigerian Elections, INEC Confirms.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that 151 associations have submitted letters of intent to register as political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections in Nigeria. This development, revealed on Thursday, reflects a growing interest in the nation’s democratic process as new groups aim to shape the political landscape.
Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, disclosed that eight additional applications were received since the commission’s last update on 23 July 2025. These submissions bring the total to 151, with details of the proposed parties—including names, acronyms, logos, addresses, and interim leadership—now published on INEC’s official website and other platforms for public scrutiny.
The commission has already begun shortlisting associations that meet the constitutional and statutory requirements to proceed to the formal application stage. This rigorous process ensures only eligible groups advance, maintaining transparency and fairness in the registration of new political parties. INEC has stated that further details will be released after the 16 bye-elections scheduled for 16 August 2025 across 12 states.
In addition to the party registration update, INEC is preparing for the resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. Online pre-registration will commence on 18 August 2025, followed by in-person registration on 25 August. Both processes will run concurrently until 30 August 2026, taking place at 811 centres nationwide, including 774 local government offices and 37 state and Federal Capital Territory offices. The centres will operate from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.
To enhance accessibility, INEC is launching an online CVR Live Locator tool, set to go live on 17 August 2025, to help citizens locate registration centres. A comprehensive 38-page document listing the addresses of all in-person registration centres has also been uploaded to the commission’s website, alongside dedicated telephone numbers for each state to serve as a helpdesk for voter inquiries.
The surge in applications from prospective political parties signals a vibrant and evolving democratic environment in Nigeria. As INEC continues to evaluate these submissions, the outcome is expected to introduce fresh voices and perspectives to the nation’s political arena, potentially reshaping the dynamics of the 2027 elections. The commission’s commitment to a transparent and inclusive process underscores its role in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
