The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected 157 applications from groups seeking registration as political parties, shortlisting only 14 associations that met its preliminary requirements.
Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, announced the development in a statement on Thursday after the Commission’s management meeting in Abuja.
He said the session reviewed preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections, the end-of-tenure FCT Area Council election, and reports on fresh applications for party registration.
According to Olumekun, “the 14 associations met the initial requirements outlined in Section 222 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Section 79 of the Electoral Act 2022, and the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022.”
The Commission stated that the rejected associations will be formally notified within 24 hours. Names of the 14 shortlisted groups have already been published on INEC’s website and other official platforms.
INEC further disclosed that interim chairmen and secretaries of the shortlisted associations are expected to attend a briefing at its headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
“The Commission will also carry out physical verification of all claims made by the shortlisted groups before taking a final decision on their registration status,” Olumekun added.
