Nigeria’s electoral commission, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has reported a significant increase in applications for the registration of new political parties. In a statement released on Thursday by INEC’s Spokesperson, Sam Olumekun, it was disclosed that an additional 12 applications were received within a ten-day period, specifically between June 23 and July 2. This recent influx brings the total number of applications for new party registrations to 122, a notable rise from the 110 applications previously reported by the commission as of June 23.

Currently, Nigeria operates with 18 registered political parties. The process for new registrations is clearly defined by legal frameworks. Section 253 (f) of the Nigerian Constitution explicitly mandates INEC to register political parties. Furthermore, Section 78 of the Electoral Act governs the registration procedure, stipulating that associations seeking to become political parties must submit their applications to INEC no later than six months before a general election.

Among the associations that have recently applied for registration, one has already made an amendment to its application, changing its interim secretary due to a defection to another association. INEC has appealed to all applicants to maintain consistency throughout their application process to avoid potential delays in consideration.

The newly submitted applications include a diverse range of names, reflecting various aspirations. These associations are 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).