INEC Shortlists 14 Associations for Next Stage of Political Party Registration

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) held its regular meeting on Thursday, September 11, 2025, to review preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and the end-of-tenure Area Council election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The meeting also considered a report from its Committee on the Review of Letters of Intent submitted by associations seeking registration as political parties.

According to INEC, a total of 171 applications were received. Each was assessed based on compliance with Section 222 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Section 79 of the Electoral Act 2022, and Clause 2 of the Commission’s 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties.

Out of the applications reviewed, 14 associations met the requirements to move to the next stage, while 157 fell short. INEC stated that official communication of its decision will be sent to all associations within 24 hours.

The list of the 14 pre-qualified associations has been published on the Commission’s website and other official platforms. Interim Chairmen and Secretaries of these associations are invited to a briefing at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 11 a.m.

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In addition to online submissions, INEC will physically verify all claims made by the associations before making a final decision on their eligibility for registration. The Commission emphasized that party registration is a continuous process, and applications that meet legal requirements will always be considered.