The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that it had received 12 additional applications from associations seeking to be registered as political parties, thereby bringing the total number of applications to 122.
The Commission also made available Supplementary Regulations and Guidelines for the Review of Election Results, as empowered by Section 65 of the Electoral Act 2022.
National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, revealed how the latest applications were received as of Wednesday, July 2, 2025, following the earlier submission of 110 applications announced on June 23.
Olumekun said the Commission is processing all applications transparently and in accordance with the Electoral Act and Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022.
He, however, noted that one association had already altered its interim leadership due to the defection of its interim Secretary to another group.
The statement said: “On Monday last week (23rd June 2025), the Commission announced that it had received applications from 110 associations seeking registration as political parties. We also assured Nigerians that we will be giving regular updates on the matter. The Commission is processing these applications transparently and in fairness to all applicants.
“Meanwhile, the Commission has since received 12 more applications for registration as political parties as of yesterday, Wednesday 2nd July 2025, bringing the total number of applications to 122. The list of the new applications by names of associations, their acronyms, addresses, and interim Chairmen and Secretaries has been uploaded to our website and other platforms for public information. We will respond to these applicants in line with the Electoral Act and Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022.
“However, the Commission notes that one association has already changed its interim Secretary as a result of defection to another association. To facilitate the consideration of these applications, the Commission appeals to associations to maintain consistency in their proposed leadership and addresses so that they do not, by their own actions, cause a delay in the timely consideration of their applications.”
On the review of election results, INEC explained that it has now provided clear procedures and timelines for the review of any declaration or return made involuntarily or in breach of electoral laws.
Olumekun said this is in accordance with Section 65 of the Electoral Act 2022, which empowers the Commission to reverse election results declared under duress or in violation of extant regulations.
“The provision to Section 65 of the Electoral Act 2022 empowers the Commission to review declarations and returns in elections that are not made voluntarily or are done contrary to the law, regulations, and guidelines for the election.
“Consequently, there have been many interpretations of Section 65 of the Electoral Act, making it necessary for the Commission to use its powers under the law to issue Regulations, Guidelines, or Manuals for the purpose of giving effect to the provisions of the Act and for its administration.
“Clear procedures and timelines have now been provided, the details of which are contained in Supplementary No. 1 to the main Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections 2022. As approved by the Commission, the supplementary regulations and guidelines have been uploaded to the Commission’s website and other platforms for public information,” he said.
