INEC Receives 110 Applications For New Political Parties Ahead Of 2027 Elections.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it has received letters of intent from 110 associations seeking registration as political parties in preparation for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. The disclosure, made by INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu during a quarterly media briefing in Abuja on 25 June 2025, signals a surge in political enthusiasm as the nation gears up for its next electoral cycle.
Speaking at the commission’s second regular consultative meeting with media executives, Professor Yakubu revealed that the applications are being meticulously processed in accordance with Nigeria’s Electoral Act and INEC’s 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties. “As of Monday, 23 June 2025, the Commission has received letters of intent from 110 associations aspiring to become registered political parties,” he stated, adding that 104 applications have already been formally acknowledged, with the remaining six to be processed by the end of the week.
To ensure transparency, INEC has released a comprehensive list of the 110 associations, detailing their proposed names, acronyms, addresses, and interim leadership. The list will be published on the commission’s website and social media platforms, with hard copies distributed to stakeholders. Professor Yakubu encouraged those seeking registration to consult the 2022 Regulations and Guidelines, available on INEC’s website, to ensure compliance.
The INEC chairman firmly rejected claims that the commission’s independence is being compromised, recalling similar unfounded allegations in 2013 about INEC’s handling of party mergers. “For the record, this commission registered the largest number of political parties in Nigeria’s history, with 91 parties and 73 presidential candidates in the 2019 general election,” he said, noting that over 70 parties were later deregistered for failing to meet constitutional criteria. “We will continue to act with fairness and be guided by the law,” he assured.
Among the applicants are notable groups such as the Obidient Peoples Party (OPP), led by Mr Barry Avotu Johnson, and the Advanced Democratic Alliance (ADA), reportedly backed by prominent figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former governors Rotimi Amaechi and Nasir El-Rufai. The “Obidient” movement, inspired by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, has also sparked another application under the Progressive Obedients Party.
Professor Yakubu emphasised INEC’s commitment to treating all applications equitably, regardless of the status of their promoters. “Every application will be assessed on its merits, whether backed by prominent individuals or ordinary citizens,” he said.
The announcement comes amidst preparations for other electoral activities, including pending by-elections, the resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise nationwide, and the upcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Councils election, with party primaries concluding on 30 June. Campaigns for the Anambra governorship election, scheduled for 8 August, are already underway and will continue until 6 November.
The President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Alhassan Yahaya, commended INEC’s regular engagement with the media and its efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process. He urged the commission to prioritise journalists’ safety during the Anambra election.
This wave of applications reflects growing public interest in political diversification, offering Nigerians a broader spectrum of choices as the 2027 elections approach. With INEC’s rigorous and transparent process, the commission aims to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic framework while fostering an inclusive political landscape.