The race to form new political parties in Nigeria has reached fever pitch, as 171 associations are now seeking registration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
The figure grew after 19 more associations filed their letters of intent this week.
INEC confirmed the surge on Thursday, with its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, giving fresh details.
“Since our last update, 19 more letters of intent have been received, bringing the total to 171 as of September 3, 2025. Details of the latest submissions are available on our website,” Olumekun said.
He revealed that a review committee had already finished its assessment of the applications and submitted recommendations to the commission for final consideration.
“As earlier announced, a shortlist of pre-qualified associations is being finalised for the next stage of the registration process,” he added.
INEC Urges Patience
The commission warned applicants against rushing the process or making avoidable mistakes.
“We appeal to associations to remain patient as we conclude the process. Frequent changes to logos, acronyms, and addresses, or multiple applications by one association, only cause delays. In some cases, interim leaders have defected to other associations or existing parties, further slowing down the process,” Olumekun explained.
He assured Nigerians that transparency would remain the guiding principle. “We will treat all applications equitably and continue to update Nigerians on every step,” he said.
Under the Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022, only associations that meet strict conditions can be registered as political parties. These include maintaining a national headquarters in Abuja, a distinct name and logo, clear evidence of nationwide membership, and a constitution and manifesto aligned with democratic values (see INEC law here).
INEC also retains the power to deregister parties that fail to perform. In 2020, the commission deregistered 74 political parties after they failed to win seats in the 2019 elections or meet constitutional requirements.
By 2023, only 18 parties were officially recognised in Nigeria’s ballot papers.
A Flood of New Names
The latest submissions reflect Nigeria’s restless political energy. Names range from the Key of Freedom Party, Absolute Congress, United Social Democrats Party, New Nigeria Congress, and Allied Conservative Congress, to the Obedient People’s Party, Zonal Rescue Movement, Progressive Obedient Party, and Great Nigeria Party.
More ambitious associations filed under banners such as National Youth Alliance, Community Alliance Party, All Labour Party, Team New Nigeria, Nigeria Liberty Movement, and Citizen United Congress.
Others carry colourful or unconventional titles like Village Intelligence Party, Pink Political Party, Young Motivation and Awareness for Development Forum, Marina Multipurpose Cooperative Society, and The True Democrats.
From Save Nigeria People Party to Rebuild Nigeria Group, and from Peace, Unity and Prosper Culture to Coalition for Nigerian Democrats, the names reveal both hope and frustration with existing parties.
But the question is how many of these groups can meet the tough rules and survive deregistration in the long run? And who are those sponsoring these parties, and what political and social ideologies make them different?
Would Nigeria be better off with many small parties or a few strong ones? What’s your view?
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