The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has received 110 letters of intent from various associations seeking registration as political parties in the country.
Its Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this on Wednesday during a consultative session with media executives in Abuja.
He said:“As of Monday, June 23, 2025, the Commission had received letters of intent from 110 associations expressing interest in becoming registered political parties. We are currently processing these applications in line with the relevant legal framework and our own regulations and guidelines,” Yakubu stated.
According to him, while the Commission has acknowledged the majority of the submissions, six applications received recently are still being processed and will be acknowledged before the end of the week.
Yakubu emphasized INEC’s impartiality in handling all applications, saying, “Every application will be treated equitably, regardless of who is behind them, whether prominent individuals or ordinary citizens.”
He also punctured insinuations that INEC’s independence is being compromised, referencing similar baseless allegations dating back to 2013.
He disclosed that a comprehensive list of the 110 associations, including their proposed names, acronyms, contact addresses, and details of their interim leadership, will soon be made publicly available on the commission’s website and official social media platforms to ensure transparency.
He confirmed that INEC is now prepared to conduct pending by-elections across the country and resume the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise nationwide.
“I am pleased to inform you that the Commission is now in a position to commence both the by-elections and the nationwide CVR,” he said, adding that the full details of these activities will be released within the next 24 hours.
He also expressed appreciation for the continued support of the media, urging journalists to sustain their collaboration with the electoral body.
“As always, we count on your support,” Yakubu said.
The meeting also touched on ongoing electoral preparations, including the conduct of political party primaries for the Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), scheduled to end by June 30, 2025.
Yakubu explained that the elections will be held across 68 constituencies, covering Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the six Area Councils, Abaji, AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali, as well as 62 Wards. He noted that while each Area Council has 10 Wards, the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has 12 Wards due to its larger population.
He urged journalists and media houses to begin submitting their applications for accreditation ahead of the upcoming Anambra State Governorship Election, which will take place on November 8, 2025.
He added:“Campaigns began on June 11 and will end at midnight on November 6. We encourage you to upload your accreditation requests as soon as the portal becomes active.”
