The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed receiving 171 applications from political associations seeking registration ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, disclosed that the commission is currently reviewing submissions to determine which groups meet the legal requirements.
Among the associations seeking approval are African Alliance Party, National Advancement Party, Nigeria Democratic Congress, Democracy for Dividends Party, and African Renaissance Party. These applications come in addition to the 18 political parties already on the register.
The surge recalls earlier transitions in Nigeria’s democratic journey. In 1999, only three parties contested the general elections. However, a landmark ruling in 2002 by the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi challenged INEC’s restrictive guidelines. Delivering judgment, Justice Dahiru Musdapher held, “I restrain INEC from basing the registration of political parties on the aforesaid offending provisions of the guidelines and the Electoral Act.”
The ruling widened political space, but it also created challenges. In 2019, 91 parties participated in elections before INEC deregistered 74 for failing to meet performance thresholds. Critics note that many smaller parties often end up endorsing candidates from the two dominant blocs — the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
To qualify for registration, associations are required to submit constitutions, manifestos, membership details, and evidence of national spread. Their documents must reflect democratic structures and comply with the Federal Character Principle, while avoiding ethnic or religious bias.
Analysts warn that unchecked proliferation could burden INEC’s capacity. One political observer cautioned that “the proliferation of paper parties threatens to dilute electoral focus and overstretch the commission’s resources.”
Olumekun assured that the commission is determined to uphold credibility.
“Our committee is finalising recommendations for the commission’s consideration to ensure only credible parties participate,” he said.
