INEC Approves 14 Parties for Next Registration Step

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has advanced the registration process for 14 political parties, including the Action Democratic Alliance (ADA) and Action for Transparent Polls (ATP), clearing them for the next phase of formal recognition. This development, announced following INEC’s regular meeting on September 11, 2025, marks a significant step in expanding Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of upcoming elections.

INEC’s rigorous assessment, conducted in accordance with the Electoral Act and other relevant laws, evaluated applications based on criteria such as organizational structure, membership spread, and compliance with constitutional requirements.

The approved parties now move to the verification stage, where INEC will scrutinize their offices, membership records, and operational plans to ensure they meet the standards for full registration. This process reflects INEC’s commitment to fostering a diverse yet credible democratic system, balancing openness with accountability.

The inclusion of ADA and ATP, alongside 12 others, signals growing interest in alternative political platforms amid public dissatisfaction with established parties. ADA has positioned itself as a reformist group advocating grassroots governance, while ATP emphasizes electoral transparency and voter education. These parties aim to challenge the dominance of major players like the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), particularly in off-cycle governorship elections and the Federal Capital Territory’s Area Council polls.

INEC’s statement underscored its dedication to fairness, noting that each application underwent meticulous review to prevent frivolous registrations that could clog the electoral process. The commission also highlighted ongoing preparations for forthcoming elections, urging stakeholders to address issues like premature campaigning. As Nigeria’s democracy evolves, the clearance of these parties offers voters new choices, potentially reshaping the political discourse in a nation hungry for change.