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INEC shortlists 14 new party applicants, disqualifies 157

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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

Jigawa PDP Disowns ‘Fake Delegates’ At Ibadan Convention

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The Jigawa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has disowned individuals parading themselves as its delegates at the party’s convention in Ibadan, warning that no authentic delegate from the state took part in the exercise amid the PDP’s deepening national crisis.

The state chairman of the party, Aliyu Jalam Gumel, issued the disclaimer in a statement posted on his official Facebook page late Saturday, insisting that Jigawa PDP was not represented at the convention.

His position came hours after the Ibadan gathering went ahead despite a fresh Federal High Court order halting the event and reaffirming former governor Sule Lamido’s eligibility to participate in party leadership processes.

Gumel said impostors had been circulating false claims online, posing as elected delegates from Jigawa.

“These impostors do not represent us. Jigawa PDP is committed to genuine reconciliation and legal processes that unite, not divide, our great party,” he wrote.

He added that anyone presenting themselves as a Jigawa delegate at the Ibadan convention was nothing but “a fraudster.”

The chairman stressed that the chapter’s decision to boycott the convention aligned with the Federal High Court judgment restoring Lamido’s right to contest the chairmanship.

“The Jigawa chapter, under my leadership, has boycotted the event entirely. This stance complies with the court judgment favouring Lamido’s participation in party processes,” he stated.

Gumel noted that the chapter would only participate in lawful and inclusive party activities.

“We are not participating in the convention,” he affirmed. “The decision underscores Jigawa’s loyalty to legal directives and internal reconciliation efforts.”

Expressing worry over the current state of the party, Gumel lamented that the PDP had been engulfed by internal discord.

“We are saddened by the way our party affairs are being handled, especially the current crisis rocking its foundations,” he said.

Despite the turmoil, he maintained that Jigawa PDP remained committed to restoring unity.

“Our chapter is resolute in participating only in processes that will reconcile our party. We call upon leaders to reach out to all aggrieved parties and find a solution to this crisis,” he urged.

Reiterating the chapter’s position, the chairman cautioned the public against recognising anyone claiming to represent Jigawa.

“The Jigawa State Chapter of the PDP has distanced itself from the ongoing convention. Any person claiming to be a delegate from Jigawa State is a fraudster,” he warned.

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PHOTOS: Goodluck Jonathan Supporters Storm PDP Convention

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Some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporting the political ambition of former President Goodluck Jonathan have stormed the venue of the party’s ongoing elective convention in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The supporters were spotted flying flags with Goodluck Jonathan’s photo projecting the governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, as his running mate.

Naija News reports that there has been speculation about Jonathan’s possible comeback to run for the 2027 presidential election.

Although the former president has been mum on the matter, his associates confirmed his alleged readiness to contest the much anticipated election.

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde’s posters were also sighted at the convention venue on Friday.

Meanwhile, four governors of the PDP have arrived in Ibadan, Oyo State, even as a Federal High Court order has halted the party’s planned national convention scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.

The South-West Chairman of the party, Kamorudeen Ajisafe, confirmed to Saturday Punch on Friday that the governors of Bauchi, Bala Mohammed; Zamfara, Dauda Lawal; Adamawa, Ahmadu Fintiri; and Oyo, Seyi Makinde, were already in Ibadan ahead of the exercise.

The leadership presence comes amid deepening internal battles between factions loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and those aligned with the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum.

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Why Fayose Faced Problems During First Tenure As Governor – Tinubu

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has applauded the resilience of former governor, Ayodele Fayose, during his time in office.

He pointed out that the misuse of presidential authority contributed significantly to the crisis that cut short the administration.

The President made the remark in a congratulatory statement issued in honour of Fayose, who turns 65 on November 15.

“Although his initial term as Governor of Ekiti faced considerable upheaval and was prematurely terminated due to the abuse of presidential powers, his courage remained steadfast.

“He endured the ordeal with remarkable strength and handled adversity with admirable calm,” Tinubu said.

Fayose was removed from office in 2006 after then-President Olusegun Obasanjo declared a state of emergency in Ekiti State, an episode Tinubu alluded to in his tribute.

Despite that setback, Tinubu noted that Fayose went on to achieve one of the most notable political resurgences in Nigeria’s democratic history.

“He made a historic return in 2014, becoming the first politician to defeat two sitting governors in separate electoral contests,” the President stated.

Tinubu described Fayose, popularly called Osokomole, as a fearless political actor known for his clarity of conviction.

“Osokomole is a man who never lacks the courage to stand by his beliefs. You always know where he stands. His consistency, whether in agreement or disagreement, defines his strength as a national figure. He speaks his mind without fear or favour,” he said.

The President commended Fayose’s close relationship with the grassroots, noting that his nickname Ore Mekunnu (friend of the poor) accurately reflects his political style and public appeal.

“He is at home among ordinary citizens, particularly the vulnerable. He has mastered retail politics and built deep personal ties with the people,” Tinubu added.

Highlighting Fayose’s developmental strides, Tinubu said: “During his time in office, he recorded important achievements across key sectors. He improved road networks, expanded access to healthcare and education, and delivered notable projects such as the State High Court Complex and a new Governor’s Office.”

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