The Independent National Electoral Commission has disqualified six political associations from progressing in the registration process to become political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The commission said the affected groups failed to meet the mandatory documentation and constitutional requirements expected at this stage of screening.
INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, confirmed the development after the commission reviewed the status of associations seeking registration. He said, “As of Saturday, 19 October 2025, eight out of the 14 pre qualified associations successfully completed the upload of all necessary information and documentation.” The six remaining associations were therefore disqualified for not meeting the required threshold.
He explained that the next step for the eight qualified associations will be a more detailed verification exercise to determine full compliance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties issued in 2022. The verification will determine if they can be approved to operate as fully registered political parties.
The electoral body had opened a dedicated online portal for submission of documents between 18 September and 18 October after holding an initial engagement with interested associations on 17 September. The screening was introduced to ensure only credible associations with structure, documentation, and national spread are allowed to graduate into political parties.
INEC said the move is part of efforts to maintain order in Nigeria’s political space, especially as the country approaches another election cycle. The commission noted that the 2027 general elections will not be open to associations that fail to scale through the registration process and urged groups that were disqualified to comply with guidelines if they intend to re apply.
The development is expected to shape Nigeria’s political landscape as the 2027 elections draw closer. Only associations that pass the final vetting stage will be cleared to join the list of recognised political parties eligible to present candidates for elective positions across the country.