The number of associations seeking registration as political parties has risen to 171, following the submission of 19 additional letters of intent, the Independent National Electoral Commission confirmed on Thursday.
In a statement, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, said the updated list has been published on the commission’s website and other official platforms.
“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 added that a review committee set up by the commission had completed its assessment of the applications and submitted recommendations for final consideration.
“As earlier announced, a shortlist of pre-qualified associations is being finalised for the next stage of the registration process,” he said.
The commission urged applicants to be patient and avoid practices that could delay their approval.
“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 warned.
He, however, assured applicants of transparency and fairness. “We will treat all applications equitably and continue to update Nigerians on every step,” he said.
The latest list of proposed names reflects a wide spectrum of political ambitions, including the Key of Freedom Party, Absolute Congress, All Grassroot Party, Congress Action Party, United Social Democrats Party, National Action Congress, New Nigeria Congress, United People’s Victory Party, Allied Conservative Congress, Peoples Freedom Party, Abundant Social Party, All Nigeria’s Party, Citizens Party of Nigeria, National Freedom Party, Patriots Party, and Movement of the People.
Others include Peoples National Congress, Alliance of Patriots, African Union Congress, Socialist Equality Party, About Nigeria Party, Africa Reformation Party, Accelerated Africa Development Association, Obedient People’s Party, Zonal Rescue Movement, Zuma Reform, Party for Socialist Transformation, Liberation Peoples Party, Progressive Obedient Party, and Great Nigeria Party; among others.
