INEC Confirms 110 Groups Seek Party Registration Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has disclosed that 110 associations have formally expressed interest in becoming political parties ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

Speaking at the commission’s second quarterly meeting with media executives in Abuja on Wednesday, Yakubu revealed that the requests, submitted as letters of intent, are currently being processed in accordance with electoral laws and INEC’s guidelines.

“As of Monday, June 23, 2025, we’ve received 110 letters of intent. Each is being assessed carefully under legal procedures and our internal regulations,” he said. He noted that while the commission had acknowledged most of the requests, six letters submitted recently would be acknowledged before week’s end.

Dismissing concerns about bias, Yakubu emphasized INEC’s impartiality, promising equal treatment for all associations regardless of the status of their founders. He rejected allegations that the commission’s independence had been compromised, citing similar unproven claims made in 2013.

The INEC chair also announced that a detailed list containing the names, acronyms, addresses, and interim leadership of the 110 associations would soon be published on the commission’s official platforms for public access and transparency.

In addition to the party registration update, Yakubu stated that INEC is now prepared to resume nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) and conduct pending by-elections. Specific details, he said, would be released within 24 hours.

On ongoing elections, he explained that primaries for the Federal Capital Territory’s six Area Councils are underway and scheduled to wrap up by June 30, 2025. Elections will cover 68 constituencies—six council chairmanships and 62 ward positions.

Yakubu also reminded media organizations to promptly apply for accreditation to cover the Anambra State Governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025. Campaign activities officially began on June 11 and are expected to conclude by midnight on November 6.

He concluded by appreciating the media’s support, noting that continued collaboration would enhance transparency and public trust in Nigeria’s democratic processes.