By John Moses
As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed irregularities in political party registration bids submitted by 110 associations, including multiple applications by the same individuals and incomplete documentation.
The list of aspiring political parties was published on INEC’s website and social media channels on Wednesday, revealing that at least two groups submitted multiple applications using similar identities, locations, and symbols under different party names.
Notably, a group led by Malam Idris Abdulkarim and Amb. Crystal Ogu submitted three applications under slightly varied party names: the New Green Generation Coalition Party, New Green Congress, and New Green Coalition Party, each featuring nearly identical details apart from the acronyms.
Another case involved Evang. Atanda Bamidele, who was listed as the protem chairman for both the Zuma Reform (ZR) and Zonal Rescue Movement (ZRM), again with the same individual, Udeze Azubuike, serving as secretary.
INEC also noted that approximately 58 associations failed to provide one or more of the required details, including party acronyms, logos, and the names or addresses of their protem officers. These gaps were observed in applications from groups such as The Populist (Party P), National Action Network (NAN), Democratic Union for Progress, and the Peoples Liberation Congress Party (PLCP).
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, speaking at the commission’s quarterly media briefing earlier this week, said that all applications would be assessed impartially, irrespective of the affiliations or influence of their promoters.
However, the discovery of duplicated applications and missing data has raised concerns over the authenticity, transparency, and preparedness of some of the associations seeking official political status.
Also among the applicants are groups such as the Movement of the People (MOP), Village Intelligence Party (VIP), and Polling Unit Ambassadors of Nigeria (PUAN)—adding to the diverse mix of ideologies and identities vying for a place in Nigeria’s evolving political scene.
