Politics

INEC shortlists 14 new party applicants, disqualifies 157

Published

1 month ago

September 12, 2025

The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced that 14 political associations have scaled the first hurdle in their bid for registration as political parties, while 157 others failed to meet the requirements.

The decision was taken at the commission’s regular meeting on Thursday, during which it also reviewed preparations for the upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and the end-of-tenure Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory.

In a statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, INEC disclosed that it received 171 applications from associations seeking party registration.

“Each request was assessed based on its prima facie compliance with the provisions of Section 222 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), Section 79 (1, 2 and 4) of the Electoral Act 2022, and Clause 2 (i and ii) of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022,” the statement read.

Of the applications, 14 associations satisfied the preliminary legal and procedural criteria to move forward, while 157 did not. INEC said it will officially notify all applicants of its decision within 24 hours.

Olumekun added that the interim chairmen and secretaries of the pre-qualified associations have been invited to a briefing scheduled for Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at INEC headquarters in Abuja.

He, however, stressed that scaling the initial stage does not guarantee registration. “In addition to uploading the required information to the portal, the commission will physically verify all claims by each association. The final determination of their registrability will be made after this verification to ensure full compliance with the legal framework,” he said.

The associations cleared for the next phase include the African Transformation Party, chaired by Ikhane Stanley with Emmanuel Shaibu as secretary; the All Democratic Alliance, led by Chief Akin A. Ricketts with Abdullahi Musa Elayo as secretary; the Advance Nigeria Congress, represented by Mohammed Kabir and Chibuike Onyendilefu; and the Abundance Social Party, with Comrade Frank Oruwa and Sikiru Oripelaye as interim leaders.

Others are the African Alliance Party, headed by Olusegun Peters with Haruna Abubakar as secretary; the Citizens Democratic Alliance, led by Engr. Muazu Magaji and Tamunotonye Inioribo, the Democratic Leadership Alliance, under the leadership of Barr. Fortune Oghenegare Aghwaretoma with Munirat Adama as secretary; the Grassroots Initiative Party, represented by Nze Kanayo Chukwumezie and Mohammed Abas Kuti; and the Green Future Party, with Dr. Adebayo Adefolaseye and Peace Daful.

Also on the list are the Liberation People’s Party, chaired by Hon. Alani Akinde with Douglas Aji as secretary; the National Democratic Party, with Hon. Ada Okwori and Asuquo Edet Alexander at the helm; the National Reform Party, led by Abdulkadir Mohammed with Destiny Ormonigho Odugo; the Patriotic Peoples Alliance, represented by Hon. John Ughulu and Jackie Wayas; and the Peoples Freedom Party, chaired by Engr. Agbanifo Francis Akhigbe, with Akintola Michael Alao as secretary.

INEC reiterated that political party registration is a continuous process under the law. Associations must meet strict conditions, including maintaining a national headquarters in the Federal Capital Territory, adopting a unique name and logo, proving nationwide membership and presence, and submitting a constitution and manifesto consistent with democratic principles.

The commission also reminded stakeholders that it routinely deregisters political parties that fail to meet these standards, especially after general elections. In 2020, for example, INEC deregistered 74 political parties for failing to win any seats in the 2019 elections or meet constitutional requirements.

As of the 2023 general elections, Nigeria had 18 recognised political parties.

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Politics

Wike says PDP may fall apart because governors sideline him

Published

1 hour ago

October 24, 2025

Newsbreak365_Admin

The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has slammed governors of the Peoples Democratic Party for sidelining him in major party decisions, warning that such exclusionary practices could threaten the party’s survival.

Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, Wike expressed frustration over being left out of key consultations despite his long-standing influence and role within the PDP.

He said, “Have I not said it before now that the booby trap you are setting will consume you? The way these present governors are doing, they will bury this party.”

The minister questioned why his exclusion was justified simply because he no longer holds a governorship position.

“I am the FCT Minister. Are you telling me that because I am not a governor, you will hold a PDP stakeholders’ meeting and exclude me, and then expect the party to survive?” he queried.

He added, “Assuming I am not a minister, by the role I have played in the PDP till now, is it right to say I cannot be consulted in taking decisions of the party? Certainly not.”

Wike further criticised the notion that internal crises could be blamed on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that the PDP’s problems were self-inflicted.

“All these talks about APC are rubbish. Is it the APC that makes you take wrong decisions? You mean two or three people, because they are governors and receive large allocations, will go and decide, and you tell me to follow? Follow who?” he queried.

Speaking on the party’s planned national convention, Wike said the leadership had failed to complete necessary congresses and other key processes, which he claimed were stalling progress.

“If they do the right thing, will anybody stall the convention? They have not done the congresses and other things that should be in place,” he said.

The PDP has, in recent months, faced internal crises and a wave of defections involving top members such as Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and the Governor of Akwa Ibom, Umo Eno. The party is also battling multiple legal suits over its forthcoming convention.

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Politics

PICTURES: Protest rocks APC headquarters over Kayode Ojo’s Ekiti primary exclusion

Published

1 hour ago

October 24, 2025

Newsbreak365_Admin

A protest erupted at the All Progressives Congress National Secretariat in Abuja on Friday, as party members from Ekiti State voiced outrage over the exclusion of Kayode Ojo from the upcoming governorship primary.

The APC National Working Committee had, a few weeks ago, disqualified Ojo from participating in the October 27 primary in Ekiti State, effectively clearing the path for the incumbent governor, Biodun Oyebanji, to emerge as the consensus candidate.

Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed the Ekiti State governorship election for July 20, 2026.

The protesters, mainly women, chanted slogans such as “Ekiti says No to Governor Biodun Oyebanji,” “No to Consensus,” and “Yes to Kayode Ojo.”

They carried placards with inscriptions including “We Say No to Kayode Ojo’s Disqualification,” “We Don’t Want Consensus,” “Ekiti Women Reject BAO,” “We Reject BAO,” and “APC Must Let Ekiti People Choose Their Candidate.”

Subsequently, in a statement issued on October 14 by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC announced that it had adopted a consensus candidate for the primary following the voluntary withdrawal of one of the two cleared aspirants, Mrs. Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo.

Leader of the protesters, Abereniola Mercy, addressing the press in Abuja on Friday during a protest against the disqualification of Kayode Ojo from the forthcoming APC Ekiti governorship primary.
Photo Credit: Abdulrahman Zakariyau

On behalf of the protesters, Abereniola Mercy expressed that the people of Ekiti believe Ojo is the best candidate for the governorship position.

She stated, “We have gathered here today because the people of Ekiti State firmly believe that Kayode Ojo is the right man to lead us as our next governor. Across towns and communities, there is a renewed sense of hope and determination among our people. They are not only ready to vote for him but are also prepared to work tirelessly to ensure his victory in the forthcoming election.

“Our presence here is to draw the attention of the party leadership to the challenges and frustrations we are experiencing in Ekiti State. We reject Ojo’s disqualification and demand his reinstatement to enable him to participate in the APC primary.We want them to understand that the people have made their choice, and that choice is Kayode Ojo. He is a man of integrity, humility, and competence someone who genuinely cares about the development of our state and the welfare of its citizens.

“We are appealing to our great party not to impose any consensus arrangement on us. What we desire is a fair, transparent, and credible primary election where every delegate will have the opportunity to freely choose their preferred candidate. Consensus should not be forced upon the people when they are united in their choice.

“Therefore, we call on the national leadership of our party to respect the democratic will of Ekiti people. Give us the chance to decide through the ballot, because we are fully ready to stand behind Kayode Ojo as our next governor in 2026.”

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Politics

2027: Jonathan Under Pressure To Drop Presidential Ambition

Published

6 hours ago

October 24, 2025

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Fresh pressure is mounting on former President, Goodluck Jonathan, to abandon his speculated plan to contest the presidency in 2027, as Niger Delta leaders intensify efforts to rally him behind President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Findings by Punch revealed that ex-militant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, is spearheading the regional campaign urging Jonathan to drop his alleged ambition and support Tinubu.

Recall that Tompolo, accompanied by top associates including the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Kestin Pondi, and the APC deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 Bayelsa election, Joshua Maciver, visited Jonathan at his Otuoke home in Bayelsa’s Ogbia Local Government Area on October 16.

According to sources, the meeting lasted several hours and marked Tompolo’s first public political appearance in almost a decade.

While earlier reports suggested the discussions centred on peace and security in the Niger Delta, insiders disclosed that the meeting was primarily political.

A source close to Jonathan confirmed to Punch that the ex-president and Tompolo’s team indeed met, with conversations focused on persuading Jonathan to back Tinubu in 2027.

The source said, “It is true, the meeting held. Niger Delta stakeholders feel Tinubu has done a lot for the region—look at the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the university he approved for Ogoni land, and several other projects. So everyone feels we should back President Tinubu’s second-term bid. That was what Tompolo came to discuss with the former President. He urged him not to run but to support President Tinubu.”

Pressed on whether Jonathan was nursing a presidential ambition, the associate added, “Yes, he was considering it.”

A source within Tompolo’s camp corroborated this, describing the visit as historic.

“It was the first time in a decade that Tompolo would visit anyone. That alone shows the importance of the meeting,” the source said.

Tompolo, who has been a staunch supporter of President Tinubu, currently enjoys the renewal of the multibillion-naira pipeline surveillance contract first awarded to him during the administration of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Tompolo also leads a grassroots political structure known as the ‘PBAT Door-to-Door Movement’, mobilising support for Tinubu’s re-election across the Niger Delta.

Further details from sources familiar with the meeting suggest that Tompolo told Jonathan that the psyche of Niger Deltans was not in favour of his rumoured ambition to return to power.

One source said, “Tompolo was very frank with him. He told the former President that his people were no longer disposed to supporting him for another presidential contest and that most Niger Deltans prefer Tinubu to continue till 2031.”

The source added that Tompolo advised Jonathan to learn from his wife, Patience Jonathan, and the Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, who have both aligned themselves with the movement for Tinubu’s re-election.

The source further stated, “Tompolo pointed out that Mrs Jonathan had already publicly endorsed President Tinubu for re-election and that Governor Diri’s resignation from the PDP and his planned defection to the APC were indicators that the region was moving in that direction.”

Another participant at the meeting said Tompolo urged Jonathan not to be swayed by politicians urging him to challenge Tinubu, warning that he would not get the needed “home support.”

The source stated, “He told him point-blank that no one can defeat President Tinubu in a free and fair contest considering his performance so far.

“Tompolo stressed that most Nigerians, especially in the South, want continuity to allow Tinubu to complete his programmes.”

The ex-militant leader reportedly told Jonathan that he didn’t need to defect to the APC to support Tinubu, but could remain a statesman and use his influence to deliver the region to the President in 2027.

According to one of the sources, Jonathan listened attentively and promised to consider Tompolo’s advice carefully.

The source said, “President Jonathan appreciated Tompolo for his visit and acknowledged the wisdom in his submissions. He promised to review the counsel and make his decision known in due course.”

While Tompolo declined to speak to journalists after the closed-door meeting, Jonathan told reporters that the visit focused on maintaining peace and stability in the Niger Delta.

Jonathan said, “Since I left office, we have not seen each other. Tompolo is one young man who has played key roles in the unity of our people. We discussed issues people have been complaining about to ensure the Niger Delta remains peaceful. He has contributed significantly to peace and the protection of oil installations.”

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