The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) don shortlist 14 political associations wey pass di first stage to become registered political parties, while 157 other groups don fail to meet di required criteria. Di announcement come after INEC receive 171 applications from different associations wey wan enter Nigeria political space ahead of 2027 general elections.

INEC spokesperson, Sam Olumekun, talk say di screening committee assess each application based on compliance with Section 222 of di 1999 Constitution, Section 79 of di Electoral Act 2022, and INEC’s own guidelines. Di 14 successful groups include African Transformation Party (ATP), All Democratic Alliance (ADA), and Peoples Freedom Party (PFP), among others.

Di commission don invite interim chairmen and secretaries of di shortlisted associations to Abuja for briefing on September 17. Dem go also upload more details to INEC portal and prepare for physical verification of their claims. INEC say final decision on whether dem go become full political parties go depend on how well dem meet legal and operational requirements.

Meanwhile, INEC don reassure Nigerians say party registration na continuous process. Any group wey meet di criteria fit still apply in future. Di commission say dem dey committed to strengthening democracy by allowing credible groups to participate in elections, but dem no go lower standards for political convenience.

As di process dey move forward, political analysts dey watch closely to see which of di new associations go survive di final stage. With 2027 elections approaching, di emergence of fresh parties fit shake up di political landscape and offer Nigerians more options beyond di usual big names.