The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has blamed the constant change in logos, acronyms, interim leadership and defection of some of the interim leaders of associations seeking to be registered as political parties to other associations or existing parties for the delay in the conclusion of verification and pre -qualification of associations that qualify to proceed to the next stage.
National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun said in a statement that the associations seeking to be registered as political parties have now risen to 171.
The Commission said “We wish to appeal to all the associations that submitted letters of intent to remain patient as we finalise the process. We also urge them to avoid frequent changes to their logos, acronyms and addresses or one association submitting multiple requests.
“Worse, some associations have changed their interim leaderships, following defections to other associations or even existing political parties, thereby delaying the process.”
Giving an update on party registration exercise, the statement said: “since our last update on the number of associations seeking registration as political parties, 19 more letters of intent have been received, bringing the total so far to 171 as at yesterday, 3rd September 2025. Details of the latest update are uploaded to our website and other official platforms for public information.
The commission added: “As earlier announced by the Commission, a shortlist of the pre-qualified associations is being finalised for the next stage of application for registration. The committee reviewing the letters of intent has prepared its recommendations for final consideration by the Commission.
“We wish to reassure the associations that the Commission will treat all applications fairly while urging them to assist the process by remaining consistent.
“As always, the Commission will continue to communicate with Nigerians on all its activities.”
(The Nation)
