The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that it has received letters of intent from 110 associations seeking registration as political parties.
This announcement was made by INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, during the Commission’s second quarterly Media Consultative Meeting with heads of media organisations, held in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Professor Yakubu emphasised the Commission’s commitment to engaging with stakeholders and ensuring transparency in the electoral process.
Release of proposed Parties
He revealed that the commission is releasing the full list of the 110 associations seeking registration as political parties, indicating their proposed names, acronyms, addresses and the names of their current chairmen and secretaries.
“For transparency and public information, the list will be uploaded to our website and social media platforms shortly.
“One of the topical issues on election administration in our country today is the status of the letters of intent we receive from associations seeking registration as political parties. Amidst partisan insinuations in some quarters that the commission is equivocating on the matter in a manner that compromises our independence, nothing can be further from the truth.”
Past accusations
“Nigerians may recall that the same unfounded accusation was made under similar circumstances in 2013, that the commission was not keen on the proposed merger of political parties, because according to them, INIC had merged with the ruling party at the time.”
Professor Mahmood gives further update on the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, council election, “the conduct of primaries for the area council election in the federal capital territory, which by our timetable and schedule of activities ends on Monday, 30th June 2025.”
“As you are aware, the election will be held in 68 constituencies made up of Chairmen and their deputies for the six area councils, namely Abaji, the Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, Buari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali, as well as 62 wards for the election of councils drawn based on 10 wards for each area council, except AMAC, which has 12 wards on account of its population,” Mahmood said.
Anambra state Governorship Election
The INEC Chairman stated that the upcoming off-cycle governorship election in Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria is another electoral activity on the Commission’s timetable.
“Again, as you are already aware, the campaign in public by political parties commenced exactly two weeks ago, I think on the 11th of June 2025, and will continue until midnight of Thursday, 6th November 2025. That is 24 hours prior to election day.”
“The commission will continue to update you on these and other electoral activities, I urge you to monitor these activities at the same time.”
Accreditation
He appealed to media organisations to promptly upload their applications for accreditation of media personnel for the Anambra state governorship election, holding on Saturday, 8th November 2025, as soon as the portal opens, in order for the Commission to process and deliver accreditation cards well ahead of the election.
“Nigerians will be fully briefed on the actions taken by the commission every step of the way.”
CVR
He announced that the commission is now in a position to conduct the by-elections and to resume the nationwide continuous voter registration, CRV.
NUJ President
In his remarks, the President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Alhassa Yahaya, commended the commission for engaging the media in its activities.
He further emphasised that the role of the media in Nigeria’s elections goes beyond mere reporting. He also urged journalists to prioritize accuracy and objectivity in their coverage.