The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has shortlisted 14 associations out of 171 applicants seeking registration as political parties in Nigeria.
The announcement was made in a statement on Thursday, September 11, 2025, by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee.
Olumekun explained that the decision followed a Commission meeting held in Abuja, where INEC reviewed preparations for the forthcoming off-cycle governorship elections, the end-of-tenure Area Council election in the Federal Capital Territory, and fresh applications from groups aspiring to become political parties.
According to INEC, the 14 shortlisted associations successfully met the initial requirements outlined 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.
However, 157 associations were rejected for failing to meet the minimum threshold. INEC said the affected groups will receive official notifications within 24 hours.
The Commission further disclosed that the names of the pre-qualified associations have been published on its official website and other platforms. It also directed the interim chairmen and secretaries of the shortlisted groups to attend a briefing at INEC Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
INEC emphasized that the shortlisting does not guarantee final registration, as the Commission will undertake physical verification of all claims submitted by the associations before taking a final decision.
If successful, the 14 groups could join Nigeria’s growing political party landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
