The Independent National Electoral Commission has said it will soon publish the names of political associations that have been shortlisted to move to the next stage of registration as political parties in Nigeria.
According to the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, the electoral body has concluded the first phase of screening and is preparing to release details immediately after Saturday’s by-elections held across 12 states of the federation.
“Having created the portal for party registration, the commission has commenced the shortlisting of associations that meet the requirements to proceed to the application stage,” Olumekun said.
He noted that INEC had so far received no fewer than 151 applications from various political groups seeking registration. He, however, admitted that several expressions of interest were marred by irregularities ranging from incomplete documentation to non-compliance with stipulated guidelines.
“All applications will be strictly assessed in line with our legal and procedural standards before registration can be approved or denied,” he stressed.
Some of the political associations waiting to know their fate include Key of Freedom Party, Absolute Congress, All Grassroot Party, Congress Action Party, United Social Democrats Party, National Action Congress, and Movement of the People, among others.
Olumekun assured Nigerians that the screening process would be transparent and firmly anchored on the Electoral Act and INEC’s regulations.
He explained that only groups that meet the constitutional requirement of having functional offices across the federation and sufficient evidence of national spread would be cleared to register.
“The details of those shortlisted will be made public following the conclusion of the 16 by-elections conducted on August 16,” he added.
Political analysts say the growing number of new associations seeking registration reflects rising public interest in shaping Nigeria’s democratic future through alternative political platforms.
