INEC Shuts Door On 157 Groups, Approves Only 14 In Fresh Political Party Applications – Full List Inside

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed that only 14 political associations have successfully scaled the first stage in their quest for registration as political parties, while 157 others failed to meet the initial requirements.

The decision was reached during INEC’s regular meeting on Thursday, where the commission also reviewed preparations for the November off-cycle governorship elections and the forthcoming FCT Area Council polls.

Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, confirmed that the commission received 171 applications in total.

According to him, each application was assessed for compliance with Section 222 of the Constitution, Sections 79 (1, 2, and 4) of the Electoral Act 2022, as well as Clause 2 (i and ii) of INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022.

Out of the 171 applications, only 14 met the preliminary criteria. INEC added that all applicants would be formally notified of the decision within 24 hours.

Olumekun, however, stressed that clearing the first hurdle does not equate to full registration:

“In addition to uploading the required information on the portal, the commission will physically verify all claims by the associations. The final decision on their eligibility will only be made after verification to ensure full compliance with the law.”

The interim leaders of the 14 successful associations have been invited to a briefing on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at INEC headquarters in Abuja.

Associations That Passed the First Stage

The 14 groups moving forward include:

• African Transformation Party (ATP) – Ikhane Stanley (Chairman), Emmanuel Shaibu (Secretary)

• All Democratic Alliance (ADA) – Chief Akin A. Ricketts (Chairman), Abdullahi Musa Elayo (Secretary)

• Advance Nigeria Congress (ANC) – Mohammed Kabir (Chairman), Chibuike Onyendilefu (Secretary)

• Abundance Social Party (ASP) – Comrade Frank Oruwa (Chairman), Sikiru Oripelaye (Secretary)

• African Alliance Party (AAP) – Olusegun Peters (Chairman), Haruna Abubakar (Secretary)

• Citizens Democratic Alliance (CDA) – Engr. Muazu Magaji (Chairman), Tamunotonye Inioribo (Secretary)

• Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) – Barr. Fortune Oghenegare Aghwaretoma (Chairman), Munirat Adama (Secretary)

• Grassroots Initiative Party (GIP) – Nze Kanayo Chukwumezie (Chairman), Mohammed Abas Kuti (Secretary)

• Green Future Party (GFP) – Dr. Adebayo Adefolaseye (Chairman), Peace Daful (Secretary)

• Liberation People’s Party (LPP) – Hon. Alani Akinde (Chairman), Douglas Aji (Secretary)

• National Democratic Party (NDP) – Hon. Ada Okwori (Chairman), Asuquo Edet Alexander (Secretary)

• National Reform Party (NRP) – Abdulkadir Mohammed (Chairman), Destiny Ormonigho Odugo (Secretary)

• Patriotic Peoples Alliance (PPA) – Hon. John Ughulu (Chairman), Jackie Wayas (Secretary)

• Peoples Freedom Party (PFP) – Engr. Agbanifo Francis Akhigbe (Chairman), Akintola Michael Alao (Secretary)

INEC emphasized that political party registration is an ongoing process but subject to stringent conditions, including maintaining a national headquarters in Abuja, demonstrating nationwide membership, adopting unique names and logos, and submitting a constitution and manifesto in line with democratic principles.

The commission also reminded stakeholders that it reserves the right to deregister parties that fail to meet legal standards. In 2020, 74 political parties were deregistered following the 2019 general elections for poor performance and non-compliance.