• INEC dismissed reports claiming it had registered new political parties ahead of the 2027 elections, clarifying that the total number of registered parties remains 19 and that no fresh approvals have been granted. 
• The commission maintained that party registration must strictly follow constitutional guidelines, urging applicants to focus on submitting authentic documentation rather than mounting public pressure or political lobbying.
• Despite INEC’s clarification, political figures including Rotimi Amaechi, Seun Kuti, and Babachir Lawal have criticised the commission, alleging it is restricting democratic space and discouraging alternative political voices.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has refuted claims that it has approved new political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing its firm adherence to constitutional procedures.

ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!

In a statement shared Wednesday via its official X handle (formerly Twitter), the commission dismissed viral reports suggesting that two parties—Independent Democrats and Peoples Democratic Movement—had been registered. “For the avoidance of doubt, the commission has not registered any new political party. The total number of registered political parties in Nigeria remains 19,” the statement clarified.

READ MORE: Police Foil Kidnap Attempt in Katsina, Rescue Four Victims

INEC explained that both parties in question were originally registered in 2013 but were among the 72 parties deregistered in 2020 in line with Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

INEC Insists Registration Can’t Be Forced

Reacting to mounting pressure from political groups and public figures, INEC maintained that registration of political parties must follow due process and cannot be secured through blackmail or political lobbying.

Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, said in a statement to The PUNCH, “Instead of attempting to pressure the commission through baseless allegations, applicants should focus on submitting genuine, verifiable documents.”

He emphasized that the commission values quality over quantity, adding, “The volume of submissions doesn’t matter; what counts is how many applicants fulfill all necessary conditions.”

Political Figures Raise Concerns

Despite the commission’s explanation, some politicians have accused INEC of stifling democratic participation. Former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi said, “If the current INEC Chairman had been in charge in 2015, we wouldn’t have succeeded. Jega gave us a fair chance; we met the requirements and APC was registered.”

Similarly, musician and activist Seun Kuti, who leads the Movement of the People, criticised the commission for allegedly closing the space for alternative voices. “Since 2018, INEC hasn’t registered any new political party, while 72 were deregistered. This limits democratic participation and citizens’ choices,” he stated.

Other critics include former SGF Babachir Lawal and APC chieftain Salihu Lukman, who have also expressed concerns over INEC’s current posture toward emerging political parties.

Commission Outlines Requirements

INEC reiterated that political associations must meet strict criteria to qualify for registration under the 2022 Regulations and Guidelines. These include:
• Submitting a letter of intent at least 12 months before a general election
• Payment of the required administrative fee
• Online submission of documents via an INEC-issued access code
• Providing a party constitution and manifesto
• Proof of lawful headquarters in Abuja
• A verifiable register of members with contact details
• An affidavit confirming document authenticity
• Federal character in executive composition—members from at least 24 states including the FCT

Oyekanmi also warned that any submission containing false or duplicate documents would be automatically disqualified. He added that applicants are consistently informed of their application status within the stipulated timeframe.

INEC concluded by reaffirming its dedication to fairness, saying, “The commission remains fully committed to conducting its duties in line with constitutional provisions and will continue to act with integrity in all electoral matters.”

Gunmen Attack Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Home Again, One Arrested

The residence of suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State, was attacked again on Tuesday night, marking the second armed assault on the property in 2025.

A statement from her media office on Wednesday disclosed that the attackers arrived late in the night, smashing windows and attempting to force entry.