The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed the receipt of 110 applications from various associations seeking registration as new political parties in Nigeria. This significant influx of applications is currently undergoing processing in strict adherence to legal procedures, as well as the commission’s established regulations and guidelines. Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of INEC, publicly disclosed this development during a recent consultative meeting with media executives held in Abuja, emphasizing the commission's commitment to fairness and impartiality throughout the process.

Among the prominent associations vying for registration are two groups using the acronym ADA. The All Democratic Alliance (ADA), positioned at number 109 on the list, is promoted by a coalition of opposition leaders, including former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, who aim to challenge the incumbent administration in the 2027 elections. Another group, the Advanced Democratic Alliance, is listed at number 110. Additionally, two associations believed to be affiliated with the Obidients Movement, loyal to the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, are listed as the Obidient Peoples Party (OPP) and Obedients Peoples Party, at numbers 25 and 55 respectively. Another Obidient-linked application is for the Progressive Obidients Party. The applications also include a diverse array of other proposed parties such as the Zonal Rescue Movement, Great Nigeria Party, National Youth Alliance, Alliance of Patriots, and the Village Intelligence Party, among others. It was noted that some applications contained incomplete documentation, with certain groups omitting crucial details like the names of their pro-tem chairmen or secretaries, a lapse that could impede their approval.

Professor Yakubu addressed growing concerns regarding INEC’s impartiality, dismissing insinuations of bias as unfounded. He clarified that all 110 associations had submitted letters of intent by Monday, June 23, and reiterated that no preferential treatment would be accorded to any applicant, regardless of the social or political status of its promoters. Recalling past criticisms, Yakubu mentioned similar accusations in 2013 regarding alleged obstruction of party mergers, and highlighted INEC's history of registering the highest number of political parties—91 for the 2019 general elections—before deregistering over 70 of them in accordance with the law. He firmly assured Nigerians that the commission would be guided strictly by law and act with fairness, promising full briefings at every stage of the process. He also confirmed that nearly all applications had been acknowledged, with the remaining six recent submissions to be processed by week’s end. The “Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022” are available on INEC’s website for public access.

Opposition leaders, particularly Nasir El-Rufai, have voiced suspicions that the current administration might attempt to frustrate efforts to register a viable opposition, viewing the registration process as a test of INEC’s independence. El-Rufai asserted that the process is not a queue and INEC can handle multiple applications simultaneously, challenging the commission to prove its impartiality. Tanko Yunusa, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, welcomed the registration efforts, viewing new party options as added leverage for improved governance and a strategic alternative to adopting an existing party. He emphasized the importance of having multiple plans to challenge the ruling party effectively.

Political scientist Professor Kamilu Sani Fage underscored the critical need for INEC to demonstrate absolute fairness and neutrality in reviewing these applications, especially given the opposition's concerns. He warned that any perceived bias could significantly erode public trust in INEC’s capacity to conduct free and credible elections in 2027. Professor Fage affirmed that the volume of applications, while notable, is not unusual or unlawful, as Nigeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of association and a multiparty system. He stressed that INEC has a responsibility to rigorously screen out unserious or ineligible groups in strict adherence to its guidelines, ensuring that only viable political parties are registered.

In related developments, INEC is set to conduct outstanding by-elections in 16 constituencies and resume the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise nationwide. Professor Yakubu announced that the full schedule for both initiatives would be released within 24 hours, addressing increasing pressure on the commission to fill legislative vacancies and enable eligible citizens to register ahead of upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and the 2027 general elections. The commission is also actively engaged in the conduct of party primaries for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, which are slated to conclude by June 30, 2025. These elections will cover 68 constituencies, including chairmen and deputies across six area councils and 62 wards, with preparations also underway for the Anambra State governorship election. Separately, Professor Yakubu has been served with Form 49, a formal notice for alleged contempt of court, following an earlier Form 48, related to a Federal High Court order concerning the National Rescue Movement (NRM)'s convention. The NRM stated this requires Yakubu to justify why he should not face imprisonment for disobeying the court's judgment. However, Yakubu, through INEC’s legal adviser, indicated that the matter was being resolved, noting he was accustomed to such legal notices.