Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has seen a significant increase in applications for the registration of new political parties, receiving an additional 12 applications within a ten-day period. This recent surge brings the total number of applications for new parties received by INEC to 122, a substantial jump from the 110 applications reported as of June 23. Sam Olumekun, INEC's spokesperson, confirmed this development in a statement, noting that the 12 new applications were submitted between June 23 and July 2.

Currently, there are 18 registered political parties in Nigeria. Among the new associations seeking registration, one had to change its interim secretary due to a defection to another association, highlighting some of the internal dynamics among prospective parties. INEC has also appealed to applicants to maintain consistency in their submissions to avoid delays in the consideration process.

The associations newly seeking to be registered as political parties include the Democratic Alliance (DA), I Love Nigeria (ILN), Integrity Party of Nigeria (IPN), National Youth Progressive Party (NYPP), Providence People’s Congress (PPC), Democratic Nigeria (DN), Greater Farmers and Traders Progressive Party (GFTPP), United Nigeria Development Party (UNDP), Alliance for United Nigeria (AUN), African Independent Alliance (AIA), Greater Nigeria Movement (GNM), and African Liberation Party (ALP).

INEC's authority to register political parties is enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution. Specifically, Section 253 (f) of the Constitution mandates INEC to register parties. Furthermore, Section 78 of the Electoral Act details the registration process, requiring aspiring political parties to submit their applications to INEC not later than six months before a general election. This legal framework underscores the rigorous process involved in establishing a political party in Nigeria.