The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially commenced the processing of registration requests from the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) and 109 other associations seeking to become political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. This development comes just a day after INEC had indicated that ADA, a coalition platform led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, had yet to meet all the registration requirements.
In a statement released on Wednesday by INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu, ADA was listed among the 110 associations whose letters of intent to register as political parties have been received and are currently under diligent review. Yakubu emphasized that the Commission is handling all requests in strict accordance with the law, as well as INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022, which are publicly available on the Commission’s website.
“As at Monday, 23rd June 2025, the Commission has received letters of intent from 110 associations that wish to register as political parties. We have acknowledged all requests received so far except six that were recently submitted, which will be acknowledged before the end of the week,” the statement read.
Addressing concerns about impartiality, Yakubu assured Nigerians that INEC will treat all applications fairly regardless of the prominence or status of their promoters, dismissing claims that the Commission’s independence was compromised. He recalled similar unfounded accusations made in 2013 during the proposed merger of political parties.
The ADA, formed by a coalition of opposition figures under the Nigeria National Coalition Group (NNCG), formally applied for registration through a letter signed by Chief Akin A. Rickets, the pro tem national chairman of the association.
INEC’s move to process these applications signals a critical step toward broadening Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections, as new parties seek to participate in the democratic process.
The full list of the 110 associations, including their proposed names, addresses, and leadership details, has been published by INEC to ensure transparency and public awareness.
This development marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s political evolution, with the Commission poised to uphold fairness and adherence to legal frameworks in the registration of new political parties.