INEC To Register 14 New Political Parties Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has shortlisted political parties for the 2027 elections, selecting 14 associations from 171 applicants.

National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

He explained that INEC reached the decision for the shortlisted political parties during its September 11, 2025, meeting after reviewing multiple electoral preparations.

The meeting focused on upcoming off-cycle governorship elections, the end-of-tenure FCT Area Council election, and fresh party applications.

Olumekun said the 14 associations met initial requirements in Section 222 of the Constitution and Section 79 of the Electoral Act.

The associations also satisfied INEC’s 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, which govern political party registration in Nigeria.

INEC rejected 157 applications that failed to meet the legal and regulatory criteria. The affected associations will receive formal notifications.

The Commission has published the names of the shortlisted groups on its website and other official platforms.

INEC directed their interim chairmen and secretaries to attend a briefing at its Abuja headquarters on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

Olumekun added that INEC will physically verify all claims before making a final decision on their registration status.