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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that no group has formally applied for registration as a political party, despite receiving over 100 letters of intent from different associations.
This was disclosed following rising interest in the formation of new parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. One of the associations generating public attention is the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), which has been linked to a coalition involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi.
INEC explained that what it has received so far are only letters of intent, which are the first step in the registration process.
According to the commission, these letters must be followed by formal applications that meet legal and administrative conditions.
The electoral body said the registration process involves several stages.
First, an association must submit a letter of intent containing the proposed name, symbol, and acronym.
If approved, INEC will issue a provisional approval and reserve the name for 30 days, during which the association must pay a fee and complete other documentation.
The formal application must include the association’s constitution, manifesto, proof of a physical office in Abuja, membership register, and sworn affidavit verifying the authenticity of all documents.
These must be submitted both online and in hard copy.
Once received, INEC will evaluate the application and decide within 60 days if the group has met the basic requirements to proceed.
Verification follows, which includes site visits and confirmation that the group’s leadership reflects federal character by drawing members from at least 24 states and the FCT.
Identity documents and indigene certificates must also be provided for executive members.
The guidelines make it clear that any group found to have submitted false information or duplicate applications will be disqualified. INEC also warned that any misleading or fake declarations could lead to prosecution and withdrawal of any registration granted.
Only associations that pass through all these stages will be issued a certificate of registration and be recognized as political parties.
INEC stated that no registration will be approved unless all conditions are met within the timeframes set by the commission.
