The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially acknowledged the receipt of 12 additional applications from political associations seeking to register as political parties. This announcement, made on 4th July 2025, brings the total number of pending applications to 122, a significant increase from the 110 applications disclosed earlier in June.

According to Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, the commission remains committed to ensuring transparency and fairness throughout the registration process.

“On Monday, 23rd June 2025, the commission revealed that 110 associations had applied for political party registration. We assured Nigerians that regular updates would follow, and now, as of Wednesday, 2nd July 2025, the number has risen to 122,” Olumekun confirmed in his statement.

Transparency and Fairness in the Review Process

INEC continues to assure Nigerians that the review of these applications is being conducted with full adherence to the Electoral Act and the Commission’s 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties. The list of newly submitted applications, which includes detailed information on the associations, their acronyms, addresses, and interim leadership, has been made publicly available on INEC’s official website.

Olumekun further noted that the commission had observed internal leadership changes within some of the associations. In one instance, an interim secretary was replaced after defecting to another association.

To ensure the timely and effective processing of these applications, INEC is urging the associations to maintain consistency in their leadership details and contact information.

“The commission appeals to associations to ensure their leadership and addresses remain consistent to prevent any delays during the consideration process,” Olumekun added.

Final Thoughts

As INEC continues to process these applications, all eyes are now on how these political parties will align with the current electoral framework and contribute to the political landscape. With 122 applications now under review, the future of Nigeria’s political parties could look vastly different in the coming years, as new parties seek to make their mark in the nation’s electoral system.