INEC Fires Back at Critics: ‘We Won’t Be Pressured or Compromised on Party Approvals’

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Mahmood Yakubu, has reacted to the claim made by Coalition of Opposition political leaders that the Commission might not want to register a new political party.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated its commitment to impartiality, stating that all applications for political party registration will be treated fairly, regardless of whether they are submitted by ordinary individuals or prominent figures.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, gave this assurance on Wednesday during the second Regular Consultative Meeting with Media Executives held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

He emphasized that Nigerians would be kept informed throughout the process, saying, “Nigerians will be fully briefed on the actions taken by the Commission every step of the way.”

The meeting focused on key electoral matters, including the conduct of primaries for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections—which conclude on Monday, June 30, 2025—and preparations for the Anambra State Governorship election.

Yakubu also shed light on the structure of the FCT Council elections, which will cover 68 positions comprising Chairmen and Deputies across six Area Councils: Abaji, AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali. These elections will also include 62 wards—10 per council, except for AMAC, which has 12 wards due to its larger population.

Addressing concerns raised by some opposition leaders, including Rotimi Amaechi and Nasir El-Rufai, Yakubu refuted claims that INEC is deliberately stalling the registration of new political parties, calling such accusations baseless.

He recalled similar claims made in 2013, where INEC was accused of aligning with the ruling party during a proposed merger of political parties.

“For clarity, this Commission has registered the highest number of political parties in Nigeria’s history, strictly adhering to legal provisions. In the 2019 general elections, 91 parties and 73 presidential candidates contested. While the Commission was criticized for the high number, we later deregistered over 70 parties, as mandated by law,” he said.

Yakubu reaffirmed that INEC remains committed to the law and fairness in processing the current 110 applications for party registration, regardless of the stature of their promoters.