Political Explosion: INEC Confirms 12 New Party Applications, Nigeria Now Has 122

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed that it has received 12 additional applications from associations seeking registration as political parties, bringing the total number currently under review to 122.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

This was made known in a statement on Thursday by Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee. The Commission had previously announced on June 23 that it had received 110 applications. The latest submissions, received as of Wednesday, July 2, 2025, expand the list of political groups pushing for official recognition.

INEC stated, “As of Monday last week (23rd June 2025), we announced the receipt of 110 applications from associations seeking political party status. We also committed to updating Nigerians regularly on the process.”

According to Olumekun, the Commission is handling the applications with transparency and fairness. He also noted that the full details of the new applicants—including names, acronyms, addresses, and interim leadership—have been published on INEC’s official website and other public platforms.

He added, “Our responses to the applicants will be guided by the provisions of the Electoral Act and the 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties.”

However, INEC flagged some inconsistencies in the submissions. In one instance, an association had already replaced its interim secretary following a defection to another group.

The Commission appealed to all applicants to maintain consistency in their leadership and contact details to avoid unnecessary delays in the processing of their requests.