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.

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has expressed openness to contesting for a senatorial or gubernatorial position, depending on his party’s direction.

Speaking on Television Continental on Thursday, Obasa addressed past remarks about his political ambitions, clarifying his potential interest in a higher office.

When pressed on whether this ambition still holds, he emphasised that while he has personal goals, any decision would align with his party’s leadership and collective strategy.

“Every politician has ambitions, but you get to a stage where you cannot determine what comes next. If you believe in the party structure, you understand that it’s about consultation, consensus, and the leadership’s direction,” he said.

He added that while personal aspirations are valid, final decisions must align with the party’s strategic considerations.

Obasa, who recently weathered a political crisis that temporarily led to his removal and return as Speaker, also downplayed the likelihood of seeking another term in the Assembly.

Asked if he would seek a fifth term as a legislator, he replied, “Not really,” suggesting that his focus may now be shifting to higher political roles.

The speaker’s comments come amid growing speculation about potential successors to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, whose second term ends in 2027.

Obasa has been a prominent figure in Lagos State politics, serving as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly since 2015. Representing Agege Constituency 1, he is a key member of the All Progressives Congress, the ruling party in Lagos State.

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has assured his supporters that he would not betray their trust if given the opportunity to serve beyond his current tenure.

Adeleke spoke in Osogbo on Thursday at a programme organised by the Peoples First Movement—a coalition of traders’ unions and artisans—where his second-term bid received endorsement.

The endorsement, considered a major boost ahead of the August 8, 2026, governorship election, follows earlier declarations of support from civil servants, farmers, and other groups.

Addressing the large crowd at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Adeleke said, “Great people of Osun State, I will not betray your trust. You will always find in me Imole of good governance and democratic dividends.

“Permit me to use this occasion to urge all eligible voters to register and collect their voters’ cards. Your card is your certificate of authority to vote and be voted for. For good governance to continue, get your voter’s card. Mobilise your people, families, and friends. Let your voice be heard. Let your vote count.”

In his remarks, the coordinator of PFM, Luqman Ayoade, commended Adeleke for his achievements since assuming office in November 2022.

“In the last three years, he has done well, especially in infrastructural development. We score him 100% because he has excelled beyond people’s expectations. In the beginning, many thought he could not perform, but he has proved them wrong,” Ayoade said, citing projects such as flyovers and road dualisation despite limited funds.

Ahead of the 2026 polls, Adeleke’s ambition has enjoyed increasing support within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party.

His endorsement first came from the Osun West Senatorial District caucus, followed by the state PDP leadership, which unanimously backed him for a second term, citing his popularity, acceptance, and governance record.

Since assuming office, Adeleke has anchored his administration on infrastructure renewal, workers’ welfare, and grassroots empowerment, which he regularly brands as the “Imole” (light) agenda.

The endorsements by traders and artisans under the People’s First Movement are particularly significant, given the bloc’s influence in mobilising market women, youths, and grassroots voters across the state.

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM