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  • INEC unveils 110 associations with letters of intent as parties

    INEC unveils 110 associations with letters of intent as parties

    • Two associations share acronym ADA

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday released the list of the 110 associations with letters of intent, a prelude to seeking registration as political parties.

    The list shows that two associations shared the acronym ADA. One is Advanced Democratic Alliance and All Democratic Aliance (ADA), being promoted by coalition members —former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

    Forty of the associations  had no protem national secretary. Five without protem national chairmen,  chairman or secretary are  missing in seven, four without address and one with no logo as provided for in the guidelines.

    Three of the proposed parties -New Green Generation Coalition  Party (NGGCP), New Green Congress (NGC) and New Green Coalition Party (NGGCP) have the same Protem National Chairman, Mallam Idris A. Abdulkarim and Secretary, Amb. Crystal Ikechukwu Ogun.

    The Republican Party of Nigeria submitted two applications, one with Col. Vincent Enemoma Abu and Buhari Yakuby as Protem. Chairman and Secretary with office located at Mabushi,  Abuja.

    READ ALSO: Why is Nasir El-Rufai so desperate?

    The second has MD Coma and Chief Abu Ali as Protem Chairman and Secretary  and office located behind Utako Market.

    Also, there are are two applications from  Obiedient People’s Party.

    Some other groups  either have similar acronyms with deregistered parties or are parties that have been deregistered contrary to the provisions of the guidelines and regulations for registration.

    Some others were submitted either by lawyers representing the promoters or the conveners without the names of their officers.

    Some of the names on the list include 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, People’s Freedom Party, Abundant Social Party, All Nigeria’s Party, Citizens Party of Nigeria, National Freedom Party, Patriots Party and Movement of the People.

    They also include People’s National Congress, Alliance of Patriots, African Union Congress, Socialist Equality Party, About Nigeria Party, Africa Reformation Party, Accelerated Africa Development Association, Obedient People’s Party, Zonal Rescue Movement, Zuma Reform, Party for socialist Transformation, Liberation People’s Party, Progressive Obedient Party and Great Nigeria Party.

    Others are Great Nigeria Party, National Youth Alliance, National Reform Party, Patriotic Congress Party, Community Alliance Party, Grassroot Alliance Party, Advance Nigeria Congress, All Nigerians Alliance, All Labour Party, Team New Nigeria, About All Nigeria, Nigeria Liberty Movement, National Democratic Party, Citizen United Congress.

    There is also the All Gender Party, Polling Units Ambassadors of Nigeria, Village Intelligence Party, Great Transformation Party, Alliance Social Party, Nigeria Democratic Alliance, New National Democratic Party, Nourish Democratic People’s Congress, All Youth Reclaim Party, Marina Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Alliance Youth Party of Nigeria, The True Democrats, Democratic People’s Congress, National Democratic Movement, Economic Liberations Party and Grassroots Ambassadors Party.

    Also, All for All Congress, People’s Democratic Alliance, United Youths Party of Nigeria, People’s Liberations Party, Democratic Union for Progress, Citizen Democratic Alliance, Africa Action Group, Patriot Alliance  Network, Democratic Leadership Party, Pink political Party, Young Motivation and Awareness for Development Forum, Access Party, Young Progressive Empowerment Initiative, Grassroot Ambassadors Party.

    There is also Republican Party of Nigeria, Sceptre Influence Party, Young Democratic Congress, Patriotic Nigeria Party, Far Right Party, Democratic People’s Party, United Citizens Congress, Reset Nigeria, New Nigeria Democratic Party, Save Nigeria People Party, Above All, Alliance for Youth and Women, Rebuild Nigeria Group.

    The rest are Citizens Progressive Party, Guardian Party, Abiding Greatness Party, Patriotic Party, Development and Freedom Party, Peace, Unity and Prosper Culture, The Populist, New Nigeria Leadership Party, All Allies Alliance, National Action Network, Coalition for Nigerian Democrats, Abundance Africa Alliance, Free Will Humanitarian Party, People’s Emancipation Party, People’s Liberations Congress Party and People’s Democratic Congress.

  • 2026: INEC issues notice for Ekiti governorship poll, urges parties to adhere to guidelines

    2026: INEC issues notice for Ekiti governorship poll, urges parties to adhere to guidelines

    Ahead of the June 20, 2026, governorship election in Ekiti State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned political parties to strictly comply with the guidelines governing primaries, candidate nominations, and campaign activities.

    The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ekiti State, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, gave the warning in Ado Ekiti during a meeting with party representatives where he officially served notice of the election.

    Dr. Omoseyindemi, citing Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended), said the commission is mandated to issue a notice of election not later than 360 days before the poll. He reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting a free, fair, and inclusive election.

    He disclosed that the election timetable and schedule of activities have been released and distributed to political parties, and that the official notice will be posted at INEC offices across all 16 local government areas of the state.

    The REC urged political parties to hold their primaries between October 20 and November 10, 2025, in accordance with the Electoral Act, to ensure a peaceful and credible election process.

    Omoseyindemi said, “This meeting is both symbolic and strategic. It marks the beginning of the electoral process, and it also provides an opportunity for early engagement with political parties, the media, and other stakeholders on our collective responsibilities in ensuring a credible, inclusive, and peaceful electoral process.

    “The Notice of Election, which will be published today at the INEC State Office and all Local Government Area offices in Ekiti State, serves as the official kick-off of activities as contained in the Timetable and Schedule that will be released immediately after this meeting.

    “As always, INEC remains committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency, professionalism, and fairness in all our processes. We expect that political parties will reciprocate this by adhering strictly to the rules of engagement, particularly in the conduct of their party primaries, submission of candidates, and campaigns, in accordance with the Electoral Act and the Commission’s guidelines.

    Read Also: UPDATED: INEC unveil Obedients, ADA, 108 other associations seeking registration as political parties

    “To the media, we count on your professionalism and objectivity in reporting the electoral process and in countering misinformation, fake news, and inciting narratives that could undermine public confidence.

    “To the general public and the people of Ekiti State, we reaffirm our commitment to delivering a free, fair, and credible election.”

    On the reports about some political parties engaging in public campaigns and rallies as against the INEC guidelines, the REC said, “IPAC has brought this to our notice and we have asked them to bring evidence of what they have seen on the field and we are still waiting for the pictorial and video evidence.”

    Responding, the chairman of the Inter-party Advisory Council (IPAC), Owoola Daramola, commended the commission for the timely engagement of stakeholders, promising the readiness of the political parties to support the successful conduct of the poll.

  • UPDATED: INEC unveil Obedients, ADA, 108 other associations seeking registration as political parties

    UPDATED: INEC unveil Obedients, ADA, 108 other associations seeking registration as political parties

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday released the list of 110 associations seeking registration as political parties, revealing several irregularities in the submissions.

    Among the proposed parties is the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), reportedly backed by a coalition of high-profile politicians including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

    Another group reportedly supported by followers of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi is also seeking registration under a similar name, raising concerns over overlapping acronyms.

    INEC flagged numerous infractions in the applications. Several associations are using identical acronyms, a clear violation of the commission’s guidelines for political party registration.

    Additionally, 40 submissions lacked a Protem National Secretary, five had no Protem National Chairman, seven had neither a chairman nor secretary, four failed to provide an official address, and one application was submitted without a party logo.

    INEC also observed that three proposed parties, New Green Generation Party (NGGCP), New Green Congress (NGC), and New Green Coalition Party (NGGCP), listed the same individuals, Mallam Idris A. Abdulkarim and Ambassador Crystal Ikechukwu Ogu, as Protem National Chairman and Secretary, respectively.

    A further review showed that the Republican Party of Nigeria submitted two different applications with separate sets of leadership and office locations, one led by Col. Vincent Enemoma Abu and Buhari Yakubu with an address in Mabushi, Abuja, and another by MD Coma and Chief Abu Ali based behind Utako Market.

    INEC is expected to screen and assess the applications in accordance with its legal and procedural guidelines before granting or rejecting registration requests.

    Also, there are two applications to register the Obiedient People’s Party, while some others either have similar acronyms with deregistered parties or are parties that have been deregistered contrary to the provisions of the guidelines and regulations for registration.

    Some others were submitted either by lawyers representing the promoters or the conveners without the names of their officers.

    Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said the Commission was currently processing the letters of intent submitted by the associations

    Speaking at a meeting with media executives, Prof. Yakubu said those wishing to be registered as political parties should obtain a copy of the handbook containing the Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022is already available on the Commission’s website.

    The INEC chairman said the commission will upload the names and acronyms of the associations on its website for the sake of transparency.

    He said, “Clearly, one of the topical issues on election administration in our country today is the status of the letters of intent we received from associations seeking registration as political parties amidst partisan insinuations in some quarters that the Commission is equivocating on the matter in a manner that compromises our independence. Nothing can be further from the truth.

    “Nigerians may recall that the same unfounded accusation was made under similar circumstances in 2013 that the Commission was not keen on the proposed merger of political parties because INEC had “merged with the ruling party” at the time.

    “For the record, the present Commission registered the largest number of political parties in Nigeria strictly following the provision of the electoral legal framework. For the 2019 General Election, there were 91 political parties and 73 presidential candidates.

    “The Commission was criticised in some quarters for registering too many political parties. After the election, the Commission also deregistered over 70 political parties as provided by law.

    “We wish to reassure Nigerians that under the current situation, we will continue to be guided by law and act with fairness to all associations seeking registration as political parties. We will treat all requests fairly, irrespective of the status of their promoters, be they ordinary or prominent citizens. Nigerians will be fully briefed on the actions taken by the Commission every step of the way.

    “As of Monday, 23rd June 2025, the Commission has received letters of intent from 110 associations that wish to register as political parties. We are diligently processing the requests in line with the procedure outlined in the law as well as our Regulations and Guidelines.

    “We have acknowledged all requests received so far, except six of them received recently, which will be done before the end of the week. For emphasis, I wish to inform Nigerians, particularly those interested in registering new political parties, that the handbook containing the Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022is already available on the Commission’s website.

    “Meanwhile, the Commission is today releasing the full list of the 110 associations seeking registration as political parties, indicating their proposed names, acronyms, addresses and the names of their protem Chairmen and Secretaries.

    “For transparency and public information, the list will be uploaded to our website and social media platforms shortly, while hard copies are included in your folders for this meeting”.

    The INEC boss also said that the commission has finalised activities for the conduct of bye-elections across the country and for the continuous voter registration, adding that the date for the two activities will be made public within the next 24 hours.

    He said, “I am glad to announce that the Commission is now in a position to conduct bye-elections and to resume the nationwide CVR. The Commission met yesterday (Tuesday) and we are finalising the details of the two activities which will be made public in the next 24 hours. As usual, we look forward to your support.”

    He also said that preparation for the conduct of the FCT Area Council elections scheduled for February 2026 and the Anambra Governorship election are progressing steadily.

    He said, “The Commission will continue to update you on these and other electoral activities. I urge you to monitor these activities. At the same time, I wish to appeal to you to promptly upload your applications for accreditation of media personnel for the Anambra State Governorship election holding on Saturday, 8th November 2025, as soon as the portal opens so that we can process and deliver your accreditation tags well ahead of the election”.

    Some of the names on the list include 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, People’s Freedom Party, Abundant Social Party, All Nigeria’s Party, Citizens Party of Nigeria, National Freedom Party, Patriots Party and Movement of the People.

    They also include People’s National Congress, Alliance of Patriots, African Union Congress, Socialist Equality Party, About Nigeria Party, Africa Reformation Party, Accelerated Africa Development Association, Obedient people’s Party, Zonal Rescue Movement, Zuma Reform, Party for socialist Transformation, Liberation People’s Party, Progressive Obedient Party and Great Nigeria Party.

    Others are Great Nigeria Party, National Youth Alliance, National Reform Party, Patriotic Congress Party, Community Alliance Party, Grassroot Alliance Party, Advance Nigeria Congress, All Nigerians Alliance, All Labour Party, Team New Nigeria, About All Nigeria, Nigeria Liberty Movement, National Democratic Party, Citizen United Congress.

    Read Also: INEC unveil list of 110 associations seeking registration

    There is also the All Gender Party, Polling Unuts Ambassadors of Nigeria, Village Intelligence Party, Great Transformation Party, Alliance Social Party, Nigeria Democratic Alliance, New National Democratic Party, Nourish Democratic People’s Congress, All Youth Reclaim Party, Marina Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Alliance Youth Party of Nigeria, The True Democrats, Democratic People’s Congress, National Democratic Movement, Economic Liberations Party and Grassroot Ambassadors Party.

    Also, All for All Congress, People’s Democratic Alliance, United Youths Party of Nigeria, People’s Liberations Party, Democratic Union for Progress, Citizen Democratic Alliance, Africa Action Group, Patriot Alliance  Network, Democratic Leadership Party, Pink political Party, Young Motivation and Awareness for Development Forum, Access Party, Young Progressive Empowerment Initiative, Grassroot Ambassadors Party.

    There is also the Republican Party of Nigeria, Sceptre Influence Party, Young Democratic Congress, Patriotic Nigeria Party, Far Right Party, Democratic People’s Party, United Citizens Congress, Reset Nigeria, New Nigeria Democratic Party, Save Nigeria People Party, Above All, Alliance for Youth and Women, Rebuild Nigeria Group.

    The rest are Citizens Progressive Party, Guardian Party, Abiding Greatness Party, Patriotic Party, Development and Freedom Party, Peace, Unity and Prosper Culture, The populist, New Nigeria Leadership Party, All Allies Alliance, National Action Network, Coalition for Nigerian Democrats, Abundance Africa Alliance, Free will Humanitarian Party, People’s Emancipation Party, People’s Liberations Congress Party and People’s Democratic Congress. 

  • INEC unveil list of 110 associations seeking registration

    INEC unveil list of 110 associations seeking registration

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the list of the 110 associations seeking registration as political parties as of Monday, June 23, 2025.

    However, 40 of the proposed parties were submitted without a Protem national secretary, five without a Protem national chairman, seven without either chairman or secretary, four without an address and one without a logo as provided for in the guidelines.

    The All Democratic Alliance (ADA) is believed to be promoted by the coalition of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna state governor, Nasir el-Rufai and former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, and the Advanced Democratic Alliance (ADA) shares the same acronym.

    Three of the proposed parties -New Green Generation Party (NGGCP), New Green Congress (NGC) and New Green Coalition Party (NGGCP) have the same Protem National Chairman, Mallam Idris A. Abdulkarim and Secretary, Amb. Crystal Ikechukwu Ogun.

    A close study of the list revealed that the Republican Party of Nigeria submitted two applications, one with Col. Vincent Enemoma Abu and Buhari Yakuby as Protem. Chairman and Secretary with office located at Mabushi area of Abuja, while the second has MD Coma and Chief Abu Ali as Protem Chairman and Secretary respectively, and the office is located behind Utako Market.

    Also, there are two applications to register the Obiedient People’s Party, while some others either have similar acronyms with deregistered parties or are parties that have been deregistered contrary to the provisions of the guidelines and regulations for registration.

    Some others were submitted either by lawyers representing the promoters or the conveners without the names of their officers.

    Some of the names on the list include Key of Freedom Party, Absolute Congress, All Grassroots Party, Congress Action Party, United Social Democrats Party, National Action Congress, New Nigeria Congress, United People’s Victory Party, Allied Conservative Congress, People’s Freedom Party, Abundant Social Party, All Nigeria’s Party, Citizens Party of Nigeria, National Freedom Party, Patriots Party and Movement of the People.

    They also include People’s National Congress, Alliance of Patriots, African Union Congress, Socialist Equality Party, About Nigeria Party, Africa Reformation Party, Accelerated Africa Development Association, Obedient people’s Party, Zonal Rescue Movement, Zuma Reform, Party for socialist Transformation, Liberation People’s Party, Progressive Obedient Party and Great Nigeria Party.

    Others are Great Nigeria Party, National Youth Alliance, National Reform Party, Patriotic Congress Party, Community Alliance Party, Grassroots Alliance Party, Advance Nigeria Congress, All Nigerians Alliance, All Labour Party, Team New Nigeria, About All Nigeria, Nigeria Liberty Movement, National Democratic Party, Citizen United Congress.

    There is also the All Gender Party, Polling Units Ambassadors of Nigeria, Village Intelligence Party, Great Transformation Party, Alliance Social Party, Nigeria Democratic Alliance, New National Democratic Party, Nourish Democratic People’s Congress, All Youth Reclaim Party, Marina Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Alliance Youth Party of Nigeria, The True Democrats, Democratic People’s Congress, National Democratic Movement, Economic Liberations Party and Grassroots Ambassadors Party.

    Read Also: BREAKING: PDP leaders, INEC in closed-door meeting

    Also, All for All Congress, People’s Democratic Alliance, United Youths Party of Nigeria, People’s Liberations Party, Democratic Union for Progress, Citizen Democratic Alliance, Africa Action Group, Patriot Alliance  Network, Democratic Leadership Party, Pink political Party, Young Motivation and Awareness for Development Forum, Access Party, Young Progressive Empowerment Initiative, Grassroot Ambassadors Party.

    There is also Republican Party of Nigeria, Sceptre Influence Party, Young Democratic Congress, Patriotic Nigeria Party, Far Right Party, Democratic People’s Party, United Citizens Congress, Reset Nigeria, New Nigeria Democratic Party, Save Nigeria People Party, Above All, Alliance for Youth and Women, and Rebuild Nigeria Group.

    The rest are Citizens Progressive Party, Guardian Party, Abiding Greatness Party, Patriotic Party, Development and Freedom Party, Peace, Unity and Prosper Culture, The populist, New Nigeria Leadership Party, All Allies Alliance, National Action Network, Coalition for Nigerian Democrats, Abundance Africa Alliance, Free will Humanitarian Party, People’s Emancipation Party, People’s Liberations Congress Party and People’s Democratic Congress. 

  • We have no party registration application before us, says INEC

    We have no party registration application before us, says INEC

    No group has applied for registration as a political party, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said.

    The electoral umpire insists that associations seeking to be registered as political parties must follow laid-down guidelines and abide by the legal and administrative requirements for registration.

    Admitting that over 100 associations are in the queue, the commission said none of them has submitted a formal application to it yet.

    National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, told The Nation that what INEC has received so far are letters of intent and not formal applications.

    The media space has been awash with the request by the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) for registration as a political party ahead of the 2027 elections.

    ADA has been linked to the coalition being promoted by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former governors Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna) and Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers).

    READ ALSO: States seek $500m World Bank’s facility to tackle poverty

    According to Olumekun, the first stage is to submit a letter of intent.

    He said groups wishing to be registered as political parties must first meet the criteria for registration before submitting a formal application for registration.

    He said: “The truth is that we have so many letters of intent presently and none of them is an application yet.

    “They must first meet the criteria before submitting a letter of intent.”

    INEC regulations and guidelines for the registration of new political parties, obtained by our reporter, spell out the various processes leading to the registration of any association as a political party.

    It states:

    • An association intending to register as a political party shall submit its application to the commission not later than 12 months before a general election in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.

    • An association intending to be registered as a political party shall submit a letter of intent along with its proposed name, symbol and acronym to the commission.

    • The commission shall, within 90 days of receipt of the letter of intent, convey in writing provisional approval of the availability and suitability or otherwise of the proposed name, symbol and acronym to the association.

    • The commission shall reserve the proposed name, symbol and acronym for a period not exceeding 30 days from the date of conveying the provisional approval and the association shall within 30 days from the receipt of provisional approval, make payment of an administrative fee as determined by the Commission and obtain a receipt from the Commission.

    The association is also required to pay an administrative fee before the continuation of the processes of registration process, which includes filling out a prescribed form and the verification of all information provided by the association.

    “Upon receipt of evidence of payment, the Chairman of the Commission shall issue an Access Code to the Chairman or Secretary of the association for download and submission of Form EC 15A (1). The Form EC 15A (1) shall be completed, uploaded and submitted to the commission’s dedicated portal within 30 days of issuance of the Access Code.

    “The Form EC 15A (1) shall be submitted together with soft copies of the following documents: (a). Constitution of the proposed political party; (b) proposed manifesto of the political party; (c) title deed, tenancy agreement or other evidence of lawful occupation of its headquarters in the Federal Capital Territory; (d) register of members of the association which includes their names, addresses, phone numbers and email; and (e) a sworn affidavit by the National Chairman or National Secretary of the association confirming the authenticity of the information and contents of the documents.

    “A hard copy of form EC 15A (1) and all the accompanying documents shall also be submitted to the commission.

    “The commission shall, upon receipt of the online application form and other accompanying documents, vet the application and, within 60 days, communicate the outcome of this prima facie evaluation to the association. Where the application fails, the reasons for the failure shall be clearly stated, and the application shall be terminated.

    “Where the prima facie evaluation is successful, the association’s application shall be processed in line with these regulations and guidelines.

    “The prima facie evaluation shall involve an evaluation and vetting of the Form EC 15A (1) and accompanying documents to ascertain that they are complete and meet all the legal and administrative requirements for further processing of the application.

    “Where at any stage of the registration process it is discovered that the same set of persons submitted more than one application or that any aspect of the submission is false, such an application shall be invalidated.”

    The processing of the registration, according to the guidelines, will only begin if the association meets all the requirements.

    “Where an association seeking registration as a political party meets all the requirements for processing its application based on the prima facie evaluation, its application shall be processed by verifying the claims of the association, including site visits to ensure compliance with the requirement for registration as a political party, as specified by law.”

    In addition to the prima facie evaluation, the commission is expected to carry out verification of the claims by the association seeking registration by ascertaining that “the national executive committee of the association reflects the federal character principle which requires that members of the national executive committee must come from at least 24 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)”.

    Other requirements are that: “The constitution and manifesto of the association comply with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022 and these Regulations and Guidelines.

    “The name, acronym, motto, or symbol does not offend the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022 and these regulations and guidelines.

    “The constitution and manifesto of the association conform to the fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy as contained in Chapter II of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

    “The names and addresses of the national officers of the association shall be verified when supported with the following documents: (a) Proof of identity of each member with either a valid Driver’s License, International Passport, National Identity Card or Permanent Voter’s Card; (b) Indigene certificate confirming that members of the National Executive Committee are indigenes of the States indicated against their names in Form EC 15A(1); (c) Physical attendance of members of the National Executive Committee during the verification in line with the COVID-19 safety protocol and other public health protocols; and (d) Evidence of payment of the prescribed administrative fee as determined by the commission.”

    On the conditions for registration as a political party, it says: “No association by whatever name called shall be registered as a political party unless the association submits to the chairman of the commission the following documents, which shall be administratively checked to ensure conformity with the checklist or verification criteria for registration:

    “The names, residential addresses and states of origin of members of its national executive committee and the records of proceedings of the meeting where these officers were elected.

    “The minutes of the meeting of members of its National Executive Committee indicating approval and adoption of the name, acronym, constitution, manifesto and symbol and flag of the proposed political party.

    “The membership register of the association to be submitted in both hard and soft copies and (iv), evidence of payment of an administrative fee as prescribed by the Commission.

    “The name and acronym of the association, which shall not be the same as the name or acronym of an existing party or any known registered political party or too similar as to create confusion or doubt in the mind of an ordinary voter during an election; not have any ethnic, religious, professional or other sectional connotation; and not give the appearance that its activities are confined to only a certain part of the country.”

    The guidelines further state: “The new political party shall be issued a signed and sealed certificate of registration through its National Chairman or National Secretary on a date set by the Commission.

    “Where the commission is not satisfied that the political association has fulfilled all the conditions prescribed for registration, it shall not register such a political association as a political party and shall notify the association within 90 days of the commission’s receipt of Form EC 15A (1) and other documents supporting the application.

    “In notifying the association of the failure of its application, the commission shall state in writing the reasons for its refusal to register.

    “Any false declaration shall result in non-registration of an association as a political party or the withdrawal of its certificate of registration by the commission.

    “An association’s national executive committee or any of its principal officers, who gives false or misleading information, commits an offence and shall be prosecuted by the commission in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022.”

  • 2027: Coalition pushes for new party, ADA, writes INEC

    2027: Coalition pushes for new party, ADA, writes INEC

    …David Mark, Amaechi, Ardo among promoters of new party

    Opposition leaders led by former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, and 2023 SDP governorship candidate, Dr. Umar Ardo, have formally applied to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the registration of a new political party, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA).

    In a joint statement, Amaechi, who contested the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2023 presidential primaries, and Ardo, who served as Special Adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, revealed that the May 6, 2025 meeting of the National Opposition Coalition Group (NNOG), chaired by former Senate President David Mark, laid the foundation for the formation of ADA.

    The new platform committee of the coalition, at a follow-up meeting on Thursday, June 19, 2025, approved the new party’s constitution, manifesto, logo, and appointed its interim leadership. 

    Chief Akin A. Ricketts was named protem national chairman while Abdullahi Musa Elayo was chosen as protem national secretary.

    The ADA leadership has since submitted a formal application to INEC and announced that its motto, slogan, and operational structure are ready.

     According to the group, the party aims to unify key opposition figures and provide a credible alternative to the country’s dominant political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Read Also: ‘Why govt is building new office for INEC’

    “This is not a hastily-formed coalition,” a source at the meeting told this reporter. “It is a strategic realignment of national political forces determined to reshape Nigeria’s future.”

    Dr. Ardo emphasized that the move was a “bold response to Nigerians’ clamour for a viable third force” amid growing disenchantment with the APC and internal crises plaguing the PDP.

    ADA’s next steps include opening a national secretariat, establishing new offices and bank accounts, and fully aligning with the 2022 Electoral Act and the party’s approved constitution.

  • Contempt: INEC workers allegedly evade service of Form 48 on chairman 

    Contempt: INEC workers allegedly evade service of Form 48 on chairman 

    Staff members of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been accused of allegedly refusing to receive service of Form 48 on behalf of their Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

    The National Publicity Secretary of National Rescue Movement (NRM), Anselem Nebeife, made the allegation in a statement on Friday morning in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Tuesday, granted an application filed by NRM to serve a contempt charge on Yakubu by substituted means through any of the commission’s staff.

    Justice Obiora Egwuatu granted the request after counsel to the NRM, Oladimeji Ekengba, moved a motion ex-parte to the effect.

    However, Nebeife, in the statement alleged that when the court bailiff, Mr Ayuba Sule, went to INEC’s headquarters to effect the service of Form 48 on the chairman as ordered by the court, Prof. Yakubu could not be accessed and non of the staff was ready to receive the documents.

    Read Also: Alleged contempt: Court orders service of charge, others on INEC chairman

    “Mr. Ayuba first got to the INEC Chairman’s office, but his staff requested him to identify himself.

    “Ayuba obliged them his official identity card, and after reading the content of the document he handed over to them, quietly gave it back to him and told him to visit the Legal Department.

    “On getting to the Legal Department, another drama ensued involving Ayuba and another INEC staff.

    “Upon handing over the document to the staff, the said staff stealthily scanned through and speedily returned it and said, ‘can’t you see that this is Form 48, please, I love my job ooo.’

    “Angered by their disposition, Ayuba dropped the Court Order and the accompanying Form 48 in front of the Legal Department and left the commission,” he said.

    Justice Egwuatu, while delivering the ruling, had directed that the Form 48, which is a notice of the consequence of disobedience of a court order, be served on Mahmood by handling same to any staff of the commission at its national headquarters and fixed July 15 for mention.

    The NRM filed the application over allegations that INEC had refused to comply with the court judgment by recognising Chief Edozie Njoku as its national chairman.

    (NAN)

  • ‘Why govt is building new office for INEC’

    ‘Why govt is building new office for INEC’

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday described the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the backbone of Nigeria’s democracy.

    He also gave reasons the Federal Government is building a befitting secretariat for the electoral agency.

    The President spoke during the groundbreaking of a new office for INEC in Abuja.

     Addressing dignitaries at the ceremony, Tinubu emphasised that democracy in the country is not a finished product but a continuous journey that requires collective commitment and vigilance.

    He consequently called on all Nigerians to actively support efforts to strengthen national institutions, safeguard democratic freedom and protect the nation’s future. 

    “To all Nigerians, I say this democracy is not a destination but a journey. Together let us strengthen our institutions, safeguard our freedom and protect the future,” Tinubu advised.

      The President described the ground-breaking of the new headquarters of the electoral umpire which, was attended by  Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker Abbas Tajudeen,  as more than a symbolic event.

    READ ALSO: Why it is hard to remarry after Ibidunni’s death – Ituah Ighodalo

    He said the structure represents Nigeria’s dedication to credible elections and institutional independence.

     “Today’s ceremony is not merely about bricks and mortar, it is about the strength of our democracy, the independence of our institutions, and the future of our electoral integrity,” Tinubu stated.

    He praised INEC for its central role in advancing Nigeria’s democratic journey, describing it as “the backbone of Nigeria’s democratic process.”

    According to the President, a structure that reflects the dignity and responsibility of INEC is necessary for enhancing public confidence in the electoral system.

     “Its (INEC) role in conducting free, fair and credible elections is central to the trust our people place in their government, and in our democratic process. It is only right that such a pivotal institution is housed in a structure that reflects the dignity, responsibility and national significance of that institution,” Tinubu said.

    The new   INEC headquarters, he said, would serve not just as an office complex, but a hub for electoral planning, training, innovation and transparency.

     “Our democracy is still evolving, and as it is growing, so too must the institution that supports and protects it. We are committed to ensuring that INEC is fully equipped, not only in infrastructure, but in law, policy and resources to carry out its constitutional mandate with courage, fairness and excellence”, Tinubu noted.

      He commended  Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister  Nyesom Wike for spearheading the initiative, which, according to him, further demonstrates the administration’s resolve to protect and enhance Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

      “By initiating this project, the FCT Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has taken another important step toward the protection of our democracy in this country. I salute your (Wike) vision, courage and commitment to the progress and development of our country”, the President said.

    He also extended appreciation to the leadership and staff members of INEC for their commitment to institutional growth and electoral credibility.

     “Let me once again commend the leadership and the staff of INEC for their dedication to face the challenge that is necessary and the courage to lay a stronger foundation for our democracy,” Tinubu said.

    The President reminded the contractors and stakeholders about the significance of the project. He urged them to prioritise quality and integrity.

     “To the contractors, supervisors and stakeholders involved in this project, let quality, speed, integrity, and transparency guide your work. You are not just building an edifice, you are building trust in our nation,” he declared.

    FCT Minister  Wike assured the President that his ministry would ensure the speedy completion of the project in its role as the supervisor.

    He clarified that the project was awarded by the Federal Executive Council in March 2025 and not by the FCT.

    Wike said: “Mr. President, let me, on behalf of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, most sincerely thank you again for allowing us to flag off this very important project.

     ‘’I want to assure you(President) that this structure will be given all the time it is required to see that during your first tenure, this project is completed.

    ‘’You can be assured that we’ll do that, and with the kind of support you’ve given to us, we’ll make sure that the contractor delivers.

     ‘’I don’t know where he (contractor) comes from, but by the time he finishes, he’ll be back, because I’ve made sure that he stays under the sun, under the rain, and justifies the money that we are paying.”

    INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu said for a long time, the commission has been grappling with inadequate office accommodation.

     ‘’Our present national headquarters, which was inaugurated in 1997 is severely congested,’’ he said.

    Yakubu explained that the old building was originally planned to cater for eight commission members (a chairman and seven full-time national commissioners), 10 departments/directorates and 500 staff members.

    He said: ‘’Today, there are 13 full-time commission members (a chairman and 12 national commissioners), 22 departments/directorates and 1,048 staff members. ‘’Consequently, every facility is overstretched from offices to meeting rooms for the commission’s 15 standing committees and other activities, including regular engagements with stakeholders.’’

    He explained that the   new   building plan has   provision for a museum to serve as a repository for the physical and digital history of elections and electoral activities in Nigeria.’’

    Yakubu added: “The main building opposite the present site shall remain the national headquarters of the commission. When completed, the new building will complement the main building.

     ‘’For me, this is a special occasion. After almost 10  years of persistent effort, the construction of the INEC Annex   is finally a reality.

     “At this point, all that remains for me, on behalf of the commissioners and staff members  of the commission, is to thank Your Excellency,  Mr. President,  for making it happen and for your presence.’’

    Yakubu also  appreciated Wike  ‘’for his diligent pursuit of the project as well as the leadership of the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters in the National Assembly, leaders of political parties and all stakeholders for their  support.”

  • Alleged contempt: Court orders service of charge, others on INEC chairman

    Alleged contempt: Court orders service of charge, others on INEC chairman

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered substituted service on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, of all documents relating to a contempt proceeding initiated against him by one of the nation’s political parties, the National Rescue Movement (NRM).

    In a ruling on Tuesday, Justice Obiora Egwuatu granted leave to NRM to serve the Form 48 (notice of the consequence of disobedience of a court order) and all other documents on the INEC Chairman by delivering them to any staff of the commission at its national headquarters in Abuja.

    Justice Egwuatu ordered the NRM to ensure that the name of the person who received the documents on behalf of Prof. Yakubu is disclosed in the affidavit of service to be filed in the court later.

    The judge adjourned till July 15 for mention.

    The ruling was on an ex parte motion moved on Tuesday by NRM’s lawyer, Oladimeji Ekengba, who claimed that INEC and Prof. Yakubu failed to comply with an order of mandamus made by the court on March 5, directing them to accept the outcome of an emergency national convention that produced Chief Edozie Njoku as the National Chairman of the NRM.

    Ekengba said the essence of the emergency national convention, held on January 17, was to fill existing vacancy and correct the lopsidedness in the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the NRM.

    He said the NRM requests that the court’s Registrar issue Form 48 to be served on INEC Chairman in order for him to show a cause why he should not be committed to prison for failing to comply with the court’s judgment.

    Ekengba said his client resorted to substituted service on realising that it would be impossible to hand the processes to him personally.

    “I know that the bailiff of this court will not be able to serve the Chairman of the respondent/judgement debtor (INEC) the Form 48 personally as the respondent only receive processes (court documents) at the gate at a designated registry at Plot 430, Zambezi Crescent Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama Abuja.

    “The judgment debtor/respondent’s Chairman has put in place numerous protocols and the bailiff of this court will not be able to serve him the Form 48 issued by this honourable court

    “From the disposition of the judgment debtor/respondent, it is practically impossible to serve its Chairman with the Form 48 personally as required by law.”

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    In a protest letter earlier sent to Prof. Yakuubu by the party’s lawyer, Joe Agi (SAN), NRM said Njoku and other members of its NEC were elected on January 17, 2025, at the emergency national convention of the party held in Abuja.

    It added that since the emergence of Chief Njoku as the National Chairman of NRM, INEC and its Chairman have allegedly refused to recognise him and the NEC members as leaders of the party despite a subsisting order of the Federal High Court, directing INEC to recognise them.

    On January 16 Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja issued an order mandating INEC to “monitor and accept” the outcome of NRM’s emergency convention held on January 17.

    Following delay by INEC to recognise the leadership that emerged from the January 17 convention, the NRM went back to court and, on March 5, Justice Egwuatu issued the order of mandamus, compelling INEC and its Chairman to recognise the Chief Njoku-led NEC of the party.

  • When fake patriots peddle conspiracy theories against INEC

    When fake patriots peddle conspiracy theories against INEC

    • By Oluwaferanmi Ayinde

    Serial parochial and hypocritical criticisms of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, have become the pastime of some self-serving moralists, masquerading as patriots and opposition leaders. But their motive is nowhere near patriotism, only a desperate call for invitation to the “national dining table.” Their modus operandi is simple: give INEC a bad name to hang it. Thankfully, they are failing.

    I was amused when the former Director of the Muhammadu Buhari’s 2019 Presidential Campaign Council, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi in a recent interview he granted a national television outfit, said that the All Peoples Congress (APC) wouldn’t have won the 2015 Presidential Election if Prof. Yakubu had been in charge of INEC. Remember that Amaechi was also a former Rivers State Governor and Minister of Transportation.

    The immediate question is, who was in charge of INEC in 2019, when Amaechi’s principal, former President Buhari contested and won that year’s presidential election? Was it not Prof Yakubu? Could Amaechi have forgotten his role as Buhari’s Director General of Campaign for that election so soon? Not likely. After Buhari was declared winner at the time, Amaechi had no issues at all with either INEC or its Chairman. To him, that election was free and fair. Thereafter, he went about appealing to other contestants in the race to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship, concede defeat and join hands with the winner to take Nigeria forward. In fact, at a press briefing he held on March 5, 2019, Amaechi, among other things, said: “It is only those who fail elections that gather for meetings, while the winners just gather to pop champagne and drink to their victory.” That was how sweet the victory of his party and candidate in the 2019 polls felt for him.

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    Fast forward to 2023. Amaechi wanted to be President, which is fair enough.  He participated in the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential primary election but lost. INEC did not conduct the election. But since then, for reasons best known to him, Amaechi became a turncoat of some sort, transforming into a bitter critic of INEC and its Chairman.

    Many subjective supporters of the Labour Party (LP) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have also continued to delude themselves by insisting that they both won the 2023 presidential election that they knew they did not win. Even after their parties lost at the Supreme Court, they have continued to denigrate INEC on social media. Not only that, they have also continued to berate the judiciary, with some of them labeling the Supreme Court Justices as “compromised jurists.”  There is no name and conspiracy theory they have not peddled to tarnish Prof Yakubu’s image. But to their utter disappointment, he has refused to respond to their antics and to be drawn into their pits.

    I agree that the 2023 general election was not perfect. In any case, who can show me one country in the world where perfect elections are conducted? Not even in the United States, the so-called bastion of democracy where we copied our presidential system from. The memory of the 2020 presidential election controversy, which led to what analysts have described as an instigated but failed insurrection is still very fresh. 

    An objective assessment of INEC’s trajectory since 2015, devoid of petty sentiments, will reveal positive developments which, unfortunately in my view, have been grossly under-reported. In contrast to what the modern-day Pharisees have been saying, I think the 2023 general elections, comprising the presidential, national assembly, governorship, and state assembly sets, met the required threshold of substantial compliance, meaning they were free, fair, and credible. 

    I have my reasons. The election produced several firsts. For the first time since 1999, four political parties won governorship seats, unlike in the past when only two political parties dominated the scene. Seven parties won senatorial seats, while eight parties secured federal constituencies. Nine parties also won seats in the State Assembly, paving the way for unprecedented diversity in the national and state legislatures.

    Since 2015, when Prof. Mahmood Yakubu took office, several innovations and milestones that would stand the test of time have been implemented. One of the technological innovations is the multi-purpose Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), which replaced the Smart Card Reader (SCR) after it became clear that fraudulent politicians had found a way to circumvent the SCR. That singular action effectively ended voting by proxy, leading to the subsequent widespread dumping of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) in forests and shrines by those who had warehoused them for election rigging purposes. It also led to a spike in vote buying, as it became clear to politicians that only real voters could cast a valid vote in an election.

    Under Prof. Yakubu, there has been a massive expansion of voter access to polling units. For the first time in 25 years, the total number of polling units in Nigeria increased from 119,974 to 176,846. Also, for the first time, the Commission introduced an online voter registration portal, which enabled voters aged 18 and above to log on to the Commission’s portal, upload their information, and validate their registration at designated centres. Approximately 9.5 million new voters registered between June 2021 and July 2022, increasing the National Register to its current figure of 93,469,008.

    The Commission was the first Electoral Management Body (EMB) in Africa to produce a Policy on Conducting Elections in the Context of COVID-19 in 2020, a year when the world was reeling from the devastating effects of the virus. The policy enabled the Commission to conduct several elections safely during the pandemic.

    There was also the enactment of a new Electoral Act 2022, which the Commission vigorously campaigned for with the assistance of civil society. Among other things, the new Electoral Act made it possible for the Commission to receive its funds for the general election one year in advance, just as it was given the power to review the result of an election in a situation where a Returning Officer was forced to declare the wrong person as the winner.

    The INEC Result Viewing (IReV), established by the Commission to promote transparency in the result management process and provide citizens with the opportunity to view polling unit results in real time, was a game-changer. Despite the unexpected glitch that temporarily froze the portal during the 2023 Presidential election and which was quickly rectified, the IReV, which is not a result collation outfit, has given citizens more insight into the election result management architecture than ever before.

    The Commission has also made significant gains in inclusivity matters. In recognition of the importance attached to the interests of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), the Commission created a separate Department of Gender and Inclusivity to address the needs of persons in extraordinary circumstances, enabling them to participate actively in the electoral process. Through this route, the Commission has reconfigured its polling booths, provided magnifying glasses for individuals living with albinism, and braille guides for persons with visual challenges, among others.

    There are many more. It is thus unfortunate that professional naysayers would, due to purely selfish interests, continue to push destructive narratives, reckless statements, lies and conspiracy theories in a determined effort to destroy one of the foundations of democracy in Nigeria. They are bound to fail.

    • Dr Ayinde, an entrepreneur, lives in Uyo.