The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that a total of 171 associations have so far submitted formal letters of intent to be registered as political parties.
A statement issued on Thursday by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, revealed that 19 fresh applications were received as of Wednesday, 3 September 2025, bringing the overall number of submissions to 171.
Olumekun noted that the updated figures have been made available on INEC’s official website and other public communication platforms, ensuring that all interested stakeholders can verify the status of applications.
He explained that the Commission is currently finalising a shortlist of pre-qualified associations that will proceed to the next phase of the registration process. The review committee, he said, has already drawn up recommendations which are now awaiting the Commission’s formal consideration.
The INEC commissioner appealed to applicants to remain patient as the process unfolds and cautioned against repeated alterations of logos, acronyms, and registered addresses, as well as duplicate submissions from the same organisations.
He also raised concern over reports of interim leadership changes in some associations following defections to other associations or already established political parties, warning that such internal instability could affect their evaluation.
“The Commission will treat all applications fairly,” Olumekun assured.
