INEC Denies Stalling Registration of New Political Parties, Addresses Opposition Concerns

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has denied allegations that it is deliberately obstructing the registration of new political parties, including the All Democratic Alliance (ADA)—a proposed platform reportedly backed by opposition figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

The clarification comes amid growing concerns among opposition leaders over INEC’s willingness to approve new political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. The ADA is part of a broader effort to form a united opposition front against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Speaking on Monday during an appearance on Prime Time, a programme on Arise Television, El-Rufai said there was widespread scepticism within opposition ranks about INEC’s independence and its readiness, under Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to allow new party registrations.

In response, INEC Chairman Yakubu addressed the matter on Wednesday during a consultative meeting with civil society organisations in Abuja. He dismissed the concerns as unfounded and insisted the Commission remains committed to upholding the law and acting impartially.

“There are partisan insinuations in some quarters that the Commission is equivocating on the matter in a manner that compromises our independence. Nothing could be further from the truth,” Yakubu stated.

He likened the current situation to similar accusations made in 2013, when INEC faced criticism for allegedly being reluctant to approve party mergers. “Then, too, it was alleged the Commission had ‘merged with the ruling party,’ which was entirely false,” he noted.

Yakubu pointed out that under the current Commission’s leadership, Nigeria has seen its highest number of political party registrations. For the 2019 general election, INEC registered 91 parties and approved 73 presidential candidates. He noted that the Commission was also criticized at the time for registering “too many parties.”

“Following the elections, INEC deregistered over 70 parties in accordance with legal provisions,” Yakubu said.

He assured political associations and the public that all registration applications will be evaluated fairly and transparently.

“We will continue to operate strictly under the law and in fairness to all associations seeking registration as political parties,” he said. “Nigerians will be fully briefed on every step the Commission takes regarding these applications.”

Despite pushing for the registration of ADA, opposition leaders are reportedly considering alternative platforms. El-Rufai mentioned the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as a viable fallback option, citing its historical significance and public resonance.

The formation of new political alliances is widely seen as part of an effort to recalibrate Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 polls, amid growing dissatisfaction in some quarters with the current administration.