INEC Under Scrutiny as Over 100 New Party Applications Stall

 “Nigeria’s Democratic Space Shrinks: INEC Delays 100+ Party Registrations Ahead of 2027”

Proponents of the bill contend it will remove bias and ensure prompt, transparent party registration.

With only two years to the 2027 elections, stalled applications are casting doubt on INEC’s commitment to pluralism. For emerging parties like ADA to organize primaries and campaign effectively, swift approval remains essential.

Would you like a side-by-side breakdown of the ADA’s goals or reactions from civil society groups on next steps?

INEC Under Scrutiny as Over 100 New Party Applications Stall

Caption: “Nigeria’s Democratic Space Shrinks: INEC Delays 100+ Party Registrations Ahead of 2027”

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is facing mounting criticism for reportedly delaying the registration of more than 100 political associations seeking to become registered parties before Nigeria’s 2027 elections. Among those affected is the opposition’s planned All Democratic Alliance (ADA).

Since late 2024 and into early 2025, over 104 groups—including the ADA and other regional coalitions—have submitted formal applications to INEC. Many of these applications, submitted months ago, are allegedly yet to be acknowledged or processed .

Opposition figures, including former APC national vice-chairman Salihu Lukman, contend that this delay is deliberate and unlawful. He recalls that, by law, an applicant should be considered registered if a response is not issued within 90 days of submission. Yet, Lukman asserts, many of these parties have received no confirmation, hindering their ability to organize and prepare for primaries .

Barrister Okere Kingdom Nnamdi of the proposed Patriotic Peoples Party (PPP) noted that his application, filed in March, was only met with a vague acknowledgment in May advising him to await the opening of a registration portal—a step he argues is overly vague and possibly stalling . While some political analysts caution that new parties cannot register within 12 months of an election, others maintain that timely approval is still legally required for preparation .

INSIDER accounts suggest INEC is actively reviewing the submissions and building a digital portal to streamline processing, although no public timeline has been set . Commission spokesperson Rotimi Oyekanmi emphasized that registration requires strict adherence to constitutional standards and verification procedures .

Legal observers caution that dragging out approvals undermines democratic ideals by suppressing political competition. They argue that Nigeria’s democracy thrives on diverse representation, and failure to register new parties in time risks limiting voter choice and entrenching a few dominant parties .

In response to the controversy, the House of Representatives recently advanced a bill to establish a Political Parties Commission to take over party registration from INEC and set up a tribunal for related conflicts . Proponents of the bill contend it will remove bias and ensure prompt, transparent party registration.

With only two years to the 2027 elections, stalled applications are casting doubt on INEC’s commitment to pluralism. For emerging parties like ADA to organize primaries and campaign effectively, swift approval remains essential.