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Over 100 Associations Seek Political Party Registration Ahead of 2027 Elections — INEC

By Wafric - Politics

Wafric News – June 25, 2025

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has received formal expressions of interest from no fewer than 110 groups seeking registration as political parties in preparation for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, made the announcement in Abuja on Wednesday during the commission’s second quarterly consultative meeting with media executives.

“As of Monday, June 23, 2025, the Commission has received letters of intent from 110 associations wishing to register as political parties,” Yakubu stated. “We are currently processing these requests in strict accordance with the provisions of the law, as well as our internal regulations and guidelines.”

He noted that all but six of the letters have already been acknowledged, and the outstanding responses will be completed by the end of the week.

Yakubu also reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to fairness and neutrality, dismissing any suggestions that INEC’s independence was being compromised.

“All applications will be treated equally, regardless of who is behind them—whether influential figures or ordinary citizens,” he said, recalling similar unfounded allegations made against the commission in 2013.

To promote transparency, INEC will soon publish a full list of the 110 applying associations, including their proposed names, acronyms, protem officials, and registered addresses on its website and social media platforms.

By-Elections and Voter Registration to Resume

Yakubu also announced that INEC is now ready to conduct outstanding bye-elections and resume the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.

“The commission met yesterday and we are finalising the details for both activities, which will be made public in the next 24 hours,” he told the gathering.

On the ongoing political calendar, Yakubu noted that political primaries for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections are already underway and must be concluded by June 30.

Elections in the FCT will cover 68 constituencies—six Area Council Chairmen and Deputies, and 62 councillors across Wards. Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), due to its population, has 12 Wards, while other Area Councils have 10 each.

Full details of the FCT election delimitation are available on the commission’s website.

Anambra Governorship Election in Focus

The chairman also provided updates on the upcoming Anambra State Governorship Election, scheduled for November 8, 2025.

Campaigning officially began on June 11 and will continue until midnight, November 6. Yakubu urged media organisations to apply early for accreditation through the commission’s portal once it opens.

“I appeal to you to upload your applications promptly to ensure smooth coverage of the Anambra Governorship Election,” he said.

Yakubu concluded by thanking the media for their continued partnership in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

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