INEC Under Pressure as 110 New Political Party Applications Flood Commission Ahead of 2027 Polls
ABUJA, NIGERIA – With barely two years to the 2027 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed it is grappling with an influx of applications from political associations seeking official registration as political parties. As of June 23, the Commission says it has received a staggering 110 letters of intent, raising fresh concerns about the credibility, structure, and sustainability of Nigeria’s multiparty system.
Speaking at INEC’s second consultative meeting with media executives in Abuja on Wednesday, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, acknowledged the deluge of applications but dismissed mounting criticism suggesting the Commission is deliberately stalling or biased in the registration process.
“Out of the 110 applications, only six are yet to be formally acknowledged due to their recent arrival. They will be processed by the end of the week,” Yakubu stated.
However, the real issue lies beyond mere paperwork. Critics argue that the proliferation of political parties many without clear ideologies, grassroots structures, or national appeal could further fragment the ballot, confuse voters, and strain INEC’s logistics and budget.
Yakubu was quick to push back against such allegations. “Suggestions that INEC is compromising its independence or playing politics with the registration process are unfounded and misleading,” he asserted, drawing a parallel to similar accusations leveled against the Commission in 2013 during opposition party merger talks.
Still, the facts remain troubling. For the 2019 elections, Nigeria had a record 91 registered political parties, producing 73 presidential candidates a spectacle that drew both domestic and international scrutiny. Post-election, INEC was forced to deregister over 70 parties for failing to meet constitutional requirements such as securing at least 25% of votes in state or local elections.
Yet, just a few years later, Nigeria appears poised for a repeat, if not a worse scenario. Analysts warn that an unchecked rise in the number of political parties risks turning the ballot paper into a chaotic spreadsheet, undermining electoral efficiency and citizen engagement.
In defense, Yakubu reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to legal and transparent processes, emphasizing that all associations whether backed by elites or grassroots movements will be treated equally.
“Our guidelines are clear and available on the INEC website. Every applicant must meet the conditions outlined in the 2022 Regulations and the Electoral Act,” he noted.
As the 2027 race slowly gains momentum, attention will increasingly turn to whether INEC can strike the balance between political inclusiveness and electoral manageability. With 110 applications already in, the challenge is no longer about access, but about order, credibility, and public trust.
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INEC Under Pressure as 110 New Political Party Applications Flood Commission Ahead of 2027 Polls