The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is preparing to release the names of political associations shortlisted for registration as political parties, following the conclusion of Saturday’s by-elections across 12 states.

INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, confirmed the development in a statement on Sunday, noting that the commission had created a dedicated portal for party registration. He said applications from associations seeking registration are currently under review.

Olumekun disclosed that the commission had begun the shortlisting process for associations that met the requirements to move to the application stage.
“Meanwhile, having created the portal for party registration, the commission has commenced the shortlisting of the associations that meet the requirements to proceed to the application stage. Details will be released immediately after the 16 by-elections in 12 states scheduled for Saturday, 16th August 2025,” he said.

INEC confirmed that it has received no fewer than 151 letters of intent from associations hoping to become registered political parties. However, several of the submissions were flagged for irregularities, including incomplete information and breaches of registration guidelines.

Among the proposed party names are the Key of Freedom Party, Absolute Congress, All Grassroot Party, Congress Action Party, United Social Democrats Party, National Action Congress, New Nigeria Congress, United People’s Victory Party, Allied Conservative Congress, Peoples Freedom Party, Abundant Social Party, All Nigeria’s Party, Citizens Party of Nigeria, National Freedom Party, Patriots Party, and Movement of the People.

Other applications include groups such as the Peoples National Congress, Alliance of Patriots, African Union Congress, Socialist Equality Party, Obedient People’s Party, Progressive Obedient Party, Great Nigeria Party, National Youth Alliance, National Reform Party, Citizens United Congress, All Gender Party, Nigeria Democratic Alliance, The True Democrats, Republican Party of Nigeria, Young Democratic Congress, Far Right Party, Reset Nigeria, Save Nigeria People Party, Rebuild Nigeria Group, and Coalition for Nigerian Democrats.

The commission stressed that each application would be evaluated strictly in line with legal and procedural standards before approval or rejection.

The impending release of shortlisted associations marks the next phase in INEC’s effort to broaden Nigeria’s political landscape, though only groups that successfully scale the application process will be granted full registration as political parties.