By Nkechi Eze
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that it is actively processing the applications of 110 political associations seeking registration as political parties in Nigeria. The electoral body gave the assurance amidst growing speculation and accusations suggesting reluctance or bias in the registration process.
Speaking during the first quarterly consultative meeting with media executives for the year, held in Abuja on Wednesday, INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, provided a comprehensive update on the status of the commission’s engagements, processes, and readiness for upcoming electoral exercises.
Professor Yakubu stated that, contrary to insinuations, INEC remains committed to discharging its responsibilities in accordance with extant laws, including the constitutional and legal provisions guiding political party registration. He emphasized that the commission would apply due diligence, uphold transparency, and strictly adhere to the guidelines stipulated in the Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, 2022, which is already available on the commission’s website for public access.
“For emphasis, I wish to inform Nigerians, particularly those interested in registering new political parties, that the handbook containing the Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022 is already available on the commission’s website,” he said.
The INEC Chairman revealed that, of the 110 applications received from political associations, the commission has officially acknowledged all except six which were submitted recently. He assured the public that the remaining six applications would be acknowledged before the end of the week.
Prof. Yakubu also used the occasion to address what he described as unfounded allegations about the commission’s integrity and independence. He recalled a similar episode in 2013 when certain political actors accused INEC of bias during the proposed merger of political parties, falsely alleging that the commission had “merged with the ruling party.” He reiterated that such baseless claims are politically motivated and aimed at discrediting the commission’s impartial role.
“In 2013, similar accusations were made when some politicians claimed we were stalling the merger process because we had ‘merged with the ruling party.’ That was false then, and the current insinuations are equally baseless,” he stated.
In a move to promote public transparency, Prof. Yakubu disclosed that the full list of all 110 political associations seeking registration would soon be published on INEC’s official website and social media platforms. The list will include the proposed names, acronyms, physical addresses, as well as the names of their protem Chairmen and Secretaries.
“For transparency and public information, the list will be uploaded to our website and social media platforms,” he confirmed.
Turning to other key electoral matters, the INEC Chairman also announced that the commission is set to resume the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. He said that details of the CVR, along with plans for conducting all pending bye-elections, would be finalized shortly and made available to the public.
He further revealed that full delimitation details for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where Area Council elections are scheduled, are already accessible on the INEC website. This information, he said, will guide political parties as they prepare to conduct primaries and field candidates for the forthcoming local elections.
Professor Yakubu used the platform to reaffirm INEC’s commitment to openness, transparency, and the rule of law. He emphasized that the commission will continue to engage constructively with stakeholders including the media, civil society, political parties, and the electorate, to ensure the credibility and integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
The update from INEC comes at a time when political activity is intensifying nationwide, with various stakeholders preparing for future elections and political realignments. As the commission maintains its neutrality and pushes forward with its constitutional mandate, public attention remains fixed on how these processes unfold in the coming months.
