INEC Shortlists 14 Associations for Political Party Registration in Abuja

Onyenobi Chinwendu Samuel
September 11, 2025

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday, September 11, 2025, announced that 14 political associations have successfully scaled the first stage of screening towards becoming fully registered political parties in Nigeria. The disclosure was made at the INEC headquarters, Abuja, where officials confirmed that out of 171 associations that applied for registration, only 14 met the initial requirements, while 157 others were disqualified for failing to satisfy constitutional and Electoral Act provisions.

The shortlisted associations include: African Transformation Party (ATP), All Democratic Alliance (ADA), Advance Nigeria Congress (ANC), Abundance Social Party (ASP), African Alliance Party (AAP), Citizens Democratic Alliance (CDA), Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), Grassroots Initiative Party (GRIP), Green Future Party (GFP), Liberation People’s Party (LPP), National Democratic Party (NDP), National Reform Party (NRP), Patriotic Peoples Alliance (PPA), and Peoples Freedom Party (PFP).

According to INEC, these 14 groups will now proceed to the second stage of verification, which includes physical inspection of their national headquarters, examination of membership registers, proof of nationwide presence, and compliance with constitutional provisions. Only after fulfilling these conditions will they be issued certificates of registration as political parties.

INEC explained that the other 157 associations were denied at this stage because they either failed to submit complete documentation, lacked verifiable offices, or did not demonstrate the required national spread as stipulated by law. The Commission, however, emphasized that disqualified groups still have the right to re-apply once they can meet the necessary standards.

The development carries strong political implications, particularly with the emergence of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), which is reportedly backed by a coalition of prominent opposition figures. Although ADA has not yet been registered, clearing the first stage signals momentum for the coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

For the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its Coalition-P bloc, the unfolding scenario presents both opportunities and uncertainties. While ADC retains its status as a duly registered party, the possible emergence of ADA or other new platforms may reshape coalition dynamics, alliances, and the broader opposition strategy against the ruling party.

INEC reiterated its commitment to transparency and compliance with the law, stressing that only groups that fully meet the requirements of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2022 will be accorded full party status.