By John Umeh
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed that it is currently processing 129 applications from various political associations seeking registration as political parties in Nigeria. In response to the overwhelming interest and the administrative burden it presents, INEC has announced plans to launch a new digital party registration portal aimed at streamlining and automating the registration process.
Growing Interest in Political Participation
According to INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the growing number of political associations vying for official recognition is a testament to the vibrancy of Nigeria’s democratic landscape. He made the disclosure during a recent stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, where he emphasized the commission’s readiness to accommodate legitimate political expressions, provided they meet constitutional and legal requirements.
“The number of associations seeking registration has reached 129, which indicates that Nigerians are deeply interested in shaping the political process,” Yakubu said. “To ensure efficiency, transparency, and timely processing, INEC is working on a dedicated online portal that will simplify the application and verification stages.”
New Portal to Enhance Transparency
The upcoming digital registration platform is expected to feature real-time tracking, automatic documentation uploads, and AI-assisted compliance checks. According to INEC officials, the move is not only intended to handle the growing workload but also to ensure transparency, fairness, and ease of access to all aspiring political groups.
Under the current framework, political associations are required to fulfill a range of conditions as stipulated in the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act, including proof of national spread, an acceptable constitution, functional national offices, and verifiable membership across the federation.
Background: De-Registration and Legal Precedents
INEC had previously deregistered 74 political parties in 2020 for failing to meet performance-based criteria, reducing the number of recognized parties from over 90 to just 18. That move, though upheld by the courts, sparked widespread debate about inclusivity, electoral reforms, and the right to political participation.
Now, the commission finds itself once again at a crossroads, balancing between encouraging democratic participation and preventing ballot paper overcrowding and administrative inefficiencies.
Civil Society Weighs In
Several civil society organizations have welcomed INEC’s move to digitize the registration process but urged the commission to ensure that the new platform does not become a barrier to entry for under-resourced grassroots movements.
“The digital portal is a positive step, but INEC must also ensure that it is user-friendly, accessible to rural applicants, and backed by clear guidelines,” said Amina Lawal, Director of the Nigerian Civil Electoral Reform Forum.
What Lies Ahead
As INEC gears up for upcoming off-cycle and national elections, the commission is under pressure to maintain its credibility and operational efficiency. The introduction of the party registration portal marks yet another stride in Nigeria’s gradual shift toward technology-driven electoral management.
Whether all 129 political groups will meet the stringent criteria remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Nigeria’s political landscape is brimming with energy, ambition, and a growing demand for diverse representation.
INEC is expected to roll out the new portal in the coming months, with a formal launch date to be announced soon. Until then, the commission says it will continue to process applications manually while preparing to fully migrate to the digital system.
