The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has shortlisted 14 associations from 171 applicants seeking registration as political parties.
The development was disclosed in a statement on Thursday, September 11, 2025, by the National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun.
Olumekun explained that the decision followed the Commission’s meeting where it reviewed preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections, the end-of-tenure Area Council election in the Federal Capital Territory, and considered reports on fresh applications for party registration.
According to INEC, the 14 successful groups met the preliminary requirements stipulated in Section 222 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Section 79 of the Electoral Act 2022, as well as the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022.
The remaining 157 applications were rejected for failing to meet the threshold. INEC said the affected groups will be formally notified within 24 hours.
The names of the shortlisted associations have been published on the Commission’s website and other official platforms. Their interim chairmen and secretaries are expected to attend a briefing at INEC headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
INEC added that it will conduct physical verification of all claims made by the shortlisted groups before taking a final decision on their registration.
