The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says no political organisation has formally applied for registration as a political party.
However, it said that over 100 letters of intent have been received from different associations following rising interest in the formation of new political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Curiously, one of the political associations generating public interest is the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), which is being linked to the proposed coalition involving former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, former governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi and other political chieftains in the country.
The nation’s electoral body, said that it has only received letters of intent which is the first step in the registration process, adding that the letters of intent must be followed by formal applications that meet legal and administrative conditions.
INEC specifically said the registration process involves several stages that included an association submitting a letter of intent containing the proposed name, symbol, and acronym.
It explained that if approved, INEC will then issue a provisional approval and reserve the name for 30 days, during which the association is expected to pay a fee before embarking on the completion of other documentations.
INEC further said; “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,” it said.
INEC also said that identity documents and indigene certificates must also be provided for executive members of the association seeking registration as a political party.
The Commission stated that any group found to have submitted false information or duplicate applications will be disqualified just as it warned that any misleading or fake declarations could lead to prosecution and withdrawal of any registration granted.
According to INEC; “Only associations that pass through all these stages will be issued a certificate of registration and be recognized as political parties. No registration will be approved unless all conditions are met within the time frames set”.
