The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has firmly rebuffed allegations of obstructing the registration of new political parties in Nigeria. Responding to mounting criticism from various political figures and coalitions, INEC maintains that adherence to constitutional and regulatory requirements is paramount, and no amount of public pressure will compromise the integrity of the registration process. The commission underscored that party registration is a legally defined process, not merely a political declaration, and all applicants must meet stringent criteria outlined in the 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties.
INEC’s assertion comes amidst accusations from prominent figures like former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, who compared the current INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, unfavorably to his predecessor, Prof. Attahiru Jega. Amaechi credited Jega with facilitating the registration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015, suggesting that Yakubu would have obstructed the process, ultimately preventing the APC’s electoral victory. This sentiment of restricted political space is echoed by other groups, including the Movement of the People, inspired by the late Fela Anikulapo Kuti, who highlight the absence of new party registrations since 2018 while existing parties have been deregistered. These concerns raise questions about the accessibility and inclusivity of the electoral process leading up to the 2027 general elections.
INEC, however, dismisses these accusations as baseless and stresses the importance of complete and accurate applications. The commission’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, emphasized that INEC prioritizes the quality of applications over quantity, and only those meeting all stipulated criteria will be registered. He reiterated that applicants are regularly updated on their application status throughout the process, adhering to established timelines. Oyekanmi urged aspiring parties to focus on submitting verifiable documents and fulfilling requirements, rather than resorting to unsubstantiated allegations against the commission.
The registration process, as detailed by INEC, involves several critical stages. Applicants must initially submit a letter of intent, including the proposed party name, symbol, and acronym, at least 12 months before a general election. Following approval, an administrative fee is required, granting access to further forms and documents to be submitted within 30 days. These documents include the party’s constitution, manifesto, proof of headquarters location in the Federal Capital Territory, and a comprehensive member register with contact information, verified by an affidavit from the party’s national chairman or secretary.
Crucially, INEC scrutinizes these submissions to ensure compliance with legal and administrative requirements. The commission verifies adherence to the Federal Character principle, requiring National Executive Committee members to represent at least 24 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The party’s constitution and manifesto must align with the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and the Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022. Furthermore, the chosen name, acronym, motto, and symbol cannot contravene constitutional provisions. INEC also rigorously verifies the identity and state of origin of each national officer, ensuring all documentation is authentic and compliant.
In a separate incident, INEC debunked online reports claiming the registration of two new parties, the “Independent Democrats” and the “Peoples Democratic Movement.” The commission clarified that while these parties were previously registered in 2013, they were deregistered in 2020 in accordance with the 1999 Constitution. This clarification further underscores INEC’s commitment to transparency and adherence to established legal frameworks. The commission urges the public to disregard the false information and reiterates that the number of registered political parties in Nigeria remains at 19. This incident highlights the importance of relying on official INEC communication for accurate information regarding party registration.
