INEC Receives 91 Applications for New Political Parties Ahead of 2027

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed receiving 91 applications for the registration of new political parties. This development comes as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.

Top political parties have reacted differently to the influx of applications. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) described the situation as a sign of disunity among opposition parties, while the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) attributed it to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s alleged failures. Meanwhile, the Labour Party welcomed the development but urged INEC to ensure thorough scrutiny before granting approvals.

The APC, however, accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of orchestrating the initiative, claiming it would not affect the party’s dominance in the next elections. The ruling party also dismissed allegations that INEC is deliberately stalling the registration of new parties.

A former APC National Vice Chairman, Salihu Lukman, raised concerns that political parties that failed to secure a seat in the last elections could face deregistration. He also alleged that INEC has been frustrating some applications without clear reasons.

Opposition Leaders Call for Unity Over Party Proliferation

Amid the surge in applications, key opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, recently formed a coalition to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Timothy Osadolor, the PDP’s Deputy National Youth Leader, argued that multiple parties are unnecessary, emphasizing the need for a single, strong opposition. He criticized the excessive number of applications, calling it a waste of resources.

On the other hand, the NNPP’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, saw the trend as an indictment of the APC, stating that the ruling party’s governance failures have driven more Nigerians to seek political alternatives.

Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, defended the applicants’ right to seek registration, insisting that INEC should assess them fairly. He dismissed fears that more parties would weaken existing ones, arguing that a diverse political landscape strengthens democracy.

APC Dismisses New Party Registrations as Desperate Moves

The APC’s Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, dismissed the rush to register new parties, alleging that some politicians are only trying to remain relevant. He argued that many of these parties lack genuine political influence and accused Atiku of being a “serial loser” who cannot challenge the APC’s growing dominance.

Meanwhile, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) described the development as a normal democratic process, adding that Nigeria’s electoral issues are not about the number of parties but about commitment to democratic values.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, INEC maintains that all applications will be reviewed on merit, emphasizing that no request has been outrightly rejected.