The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that 171 associations have formally applied to be registered as political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The commission announced this on Thursday after its weekly meeting in Abuja, confirming that an additional 19 letters of intent were recently submitted. As of September 3, 2025, the total number of applications stands at 171, with the list already published on the INEC website.
INEC noted that it is finalising the shortlist of associations that met the initial requirements for registration, stressing that not all applicants were able to scale through the preliminary stage.
The electoral body also urged the associations to remain patient as their applications undergo due process. It further explained that internal leadership changes within some groups, occasioned by defections to other associations or existing political parties have slowed down the evaluation process.
INEC assured Nigerians that it would continue to provide timely updates on the registration exercise and other activities of the commission.
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