The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is currently processing a massive wave of applications from 110 different associations seeking to be registered as political parties. This development signals a potentially significant expansion and fragmentation of Nigeria’s political landscape as the country gears up for the 2027 general elections.
The list of applicants is a fascinating mix of grassroots movements, politically-themed groups, and even curious individual efforts, all vying for a spot on the ballot. The commission has assured the public that it will handle every application with fairness and strict adherence to the law, regardless of the status of the promoters.
A Diverse and Intriguing List of Applicants
The list of 110 potential parties includes several high-profile and noteworthy names that reflect current political and social currents in Nigeria.
- Movement of the People (MOP): Prominently featured is the MOP, a political movement inspired by the ideals of the late Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti and now promoted by his son, the musician Seun Kuti. The group has been campaigning actively for registration, highlighting that no new party has been registered since 2018 while 72 have been deregistered, which they argue severely limits citizens’ choices.
- ‘Obidient’ and Anti-Tinubu Movements: The political energy from the 2023 election continues to resonate, with at least two groups seeking to capitalize on the “Obidient” brand associated with former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi. These are the Obidient Peoples Party and the Progressive Obedients Party. Additionally, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) has been linked to a coalition of opposition figures opposed to the current administration.
- Curious Entries: The list also contains some unusual applications. One is from La Riba Multipurpose Cooperative Society, which submitted an application without a proposed acronym or logo. In another strange case, one individual, Malam Idris A. Abdulkarim, submitted applications for three different parties—the New Green Generation Coalition Party (NGGCP), the New Green Congress (NGC), and the New Green Coalition Party (NGGCP)—all with the same address and logo.
A Promise of Fairness and Transparency
Amid concerns from some quarters that the process might be stalled or biased, INEC has pushed back against any insinuation that it is compromising its independence, comparing the situation to unfounded accusations made in 2013 during the merger that formed the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“We wish to reassure Nigerians that under the current situation, we will continue to be guided by law and act with fairness to all associations seeking registration as political parties. We will treat all requests fairly irrespective of the status of their promoters, be they ordinary or prominent citizens.”
To underscore its commitment to the law, INEC noted that it had previously registered a record 91 political parties for the 2019 General Election, only to later deregister over 70 that failed to meet legal requirements. This history, it argues, proves its dedication to following the electoral legal framework strictly.
In a move to ensure full transparency, INEC has released the full list of the 110 associations, including their proposed names, acronyms, addresses, and the names of their protem leaders. The list has been made available on the commission’s website and social media platforms.
What Happens Next?
INEC is now diligently processing the requests, which are currently “letters of intent.” Each application will be vetted against the procedures outlined in the Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022, a handbook which is publicly available.
Alongside this, INEC is also finalizing details for resuming the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise and is preparing for the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State and Area Council polls in the FCT.
Conclusion
The influx of 110 applications for party registration marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey. It reflects a widespread desire for new political platforms and a potential realignment of political forces ahead of 2027. While many of these associations may not meet the strict legal requirements for registration, the sheer number of applicants underscores a growing demand for more diverse political choices. All eyes will now be on INEC to see how it navigates this complex process, with its commitment to transparency and fairness set to be tested as it shapes the ballot for the next election cycle.
Stay woke. Stay tuned. Stay with AKEWE NEWS.
