As Nigeria gradually gears up for the 2027 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that it has received no fewer than 110 letters of intent from various political associations seeking registration as political parties.
The Chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, made this disclosure on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, during the second quarterly consultative meeting with media executives, held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
The meeting brought together key players in the media and electoral process to discuss critical issues surrounding election management, media collaboration, and public communication strategies.
According to Professor Yakubu, the applications were submitted by political associations expressing interest in participating in the next electoral cycle. He noted that all 110 requests were received as of Monday, June 23, 2025, and are currently being reviewed in line with the Electoral Act and the Commission’s internal regulatory framework.
> “As of Monday, 23rd June 2025, the Commission has received letters of intent from 110 associations that wish to register as political parties,” Yakubu stated. “We are diligently processing the requests in line with the procedures outlined in the Electoral Act as well as INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Party Registration.”
The INEC boss emphasized that party registration is a constitutional right, but it is also governed by strict legal and procedural requirements.
He explained that not all applicants may qualify for registration, as the process includes a thorough assessment of each association’s structure, documentation, membership spread, and compliance with constitutional provisions.
Yakubu further stressed the need for media professionals to be well-informed about the Commission’s processes and to work closely with INEC in ensuring transparency, fairness, and public trust in the electoral system.
> “We believe that the media remains a critical partner in the democratic process,” he added. “This meeting is part of our commitment to continued engagement with stakeholders as we prepare for future elections.”
Observers note that the increasing number of applications reflects growing political interest and citizen engagement in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.
However, some analysts warn that the proliferation of political parties could pose logistical and administrative challenges if not properly regulated.
Currently, Nigeria has 18 registered political parties, after INEC deregistered 74 in 2020 for failing to meet constitutional requirements.
With 110 new associations seeking registration, the Commission faces a potentially complex task of vetting and approving only those that meet the legal thresholds.
INEC reiterated its commitment to conducting credible, inclusive, and transparent elections, while maintaining openness in its interaction with the media and the public.