By Atoyebi Nike
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it will only register new political parties that fully comply with constitutional and legal guidelines ahead of the 2027 elections.
INEC made this clear following pressure from political groups, including former Minister Rotimi Amaechi and musician Seun Kuti, who accused the Commission of blocking new party registrations.
Amaechi claimed that under current INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, APC might not have been registered in 2015. Kuti, speaking for the Movement of the People, said the political space has become too restricted.
INEC denied the registration of two parties- Independent Democrats and Peoples Democratic Movement and warned against blackmail and misinformation.
INEC spokesperson Rotimi Oyekanmi said registration requires full documentation, including a constitution, manifesto, member list, proof of headquarters in Abuja, and federal character compliance.
He added that the number of applications doesn’t matter only those that meet all criteria will be approved.
“Recovered assets must be used for Nigerians’ benefit not for blackmail or politics,” Oyekanmi stated.
The commission confirmed that Nigeria currently has 19 registered political parties, and no new ones have been added.
