The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has provided an update on the registration of new political parties and supplementary regulations and guidelines on the review of election results.
INEC held its regular weekly meeting on Thursday, where, among other issues, the need for clarity on the review of election results, as well as the ongoing processing of applications from associations seeking registration as political parties, were discussed.
DAILY POST reported that the INEC had interactions with stakeholders last week, during which it promised to give an update on the two issues.
The proviso to Section 65 of the Electoral Act 2022 empowers INEC to review declarations and returns in elections that are not made voluntarily or are done contrary to the law, regulations, and guidelines for the election.
Consequently, there have been many interpretations of Section 65 of the Electoral Act, making it necessary for INEC to use its powers under the law to issue regulations, guidelines, or manuals for the purpose of giving effect to the provisions of the Act and for its administration.
“Clear procedure and timelines have now been provided, the details of which are contained in Supplementary No.1 to the main Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections 2022. As approved by the Commission, the supplementary regulations and guidelines have been uploaded to the Commission’s website and other platforms for public information,” a statement containing details of Thursday’s meeting, signed by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, said.
Regarding the update on registration of new parties, INEC said it is “processing these applications transparently and in fairness to all applicants.”
Meanwhile, the commission said it had received 12 more applications for registration as political parties as of Wednesday, July 2, 2025, bringing the total number of applications to 122.
“The list of the new applications by names of associations, their acronyms, addresses, and interim chairmen and secretaries has been uploaded to our website and other platforms for public information,” the statement added.
“We will respond to these applicants in line with the Electoral Act and Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022.”
However, INEC noted that one association has already changed its interim secretary as a result of defection to another association.
“To facilitate the consideration of these applications, the Commission appeals to associations to maintain consistency of their proposed leadership and addresses so that they do not by their own actions cause a delay to the timely consideration of their applications,” it said.
