The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed claims that it registered two new political parties and cautioned political groups seeking registration ahead of the 2027 general elections against resorting to blackmail or misinformation.
In a statement issued Wednesday, the commission insisted that only strict compliance with constitutional and regulatory provisions would guarantee party registration. It warned that forming a political party is a legal process—not a mere political declaration.
This follows accusations from political figures and groups who alleged that INEC has been frustrating efforts to register new parties. Some opposition leaders, including former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal; APC chieftain, Salihu Lukman; and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, had expressed concern over what they described as INEC’s deliberate attempt to restrict the political space.
Amaechi, speaking on Arise TV earlier this month, drew comparisons between INEC’s current leadership and that of its former chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega. “If the current chairman of INEC was in charge in 2015, we would not have won. Jega ensured transparency and opened the door for APC’s registration. That’s leadership,” he said.
Also reacting to the issue, musician Seun Kuti, Protem Chairman of the Movement of the People, a political group inspired by his late father, Fela Kuti, condemned the restriction of political choices. “Since 2018, no new political party has been registered, while 72 existing parties have been deregistered. This limits democratic representation,” he said.
In response, INEC, through the Chief Press Secretary to its Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, explained that it remains committed to due process. “Rather than trying to blackmail INEC with unfounded accusations, groups should submit authentic, verifiable documents and comply with all registration requirements,” he stated.
He added that the commission’s focus is not on the volume of applications but on the quality and completeness of submissions. “Some associations may even withdraw their applications along the line,” he noted.
Oyekanmi explained the commission’s registration requirements, citing the 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties. He emphasized that applications must be submitted at least 12 months before a general election and must include documentation such as the party’s constitution, manifesto, and verified proof of headquarters in the FCT. Applicants must also reflect the federal character principle in their executive structure.
“The executive committee must represent at least 24 states and the FCT, and each member must provide an indigene certificate. If at any stage falsehood is discovered, the application becomes invalid,” Oyekanmi said.
On the reports that two parties—Independent Democrats and Peoples Democratic Movement—were registered recently, INEC categorically debunked the claim.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the commission has not yet registered any new party. The current number of registered political parties in Nigeria is 19. Nothing has been added,” INEC said in a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) account.
It further clarified that the two political groups mentioned were previously registered in 2013 but were among those deregistered in February 2020 in accordance with Section 225A of the Nigerian Constitution.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and due process, INEC urged political groups and the public to focus on compliance, not conspiracy. “Party registration is a constitutional process and cannot be circumvented through media pressure or political influence,” it said.
