The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed that no amount of pressure or blackmail will influence its decision to register new political parties without strict compliance with constitutional and regulatory requirements. This comes amid accusations from political figures, including former minister Rotimi Amaechi, who alleged that INEC was blocking the registration of new parties ahead of the 2027 elections.

INEC dismissed reports claiming it had registered two new parties — the Independent Democrats and Peoples Democratic Movement — describing the news as false. The commission clarified that Nigeria still has 19 registered political parties and no new ones have been added.

INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, explained that party registration is a constitutional process requiring detailed documentation, including proof of national spread and lawful headquarters. He urged groups seeking registration to submit authentic and verifiable documents rather than resorting to baseless allegations.

Opposition figures like Seun Kuti and Babachir Lawal had criticized INEC for what they described as restrictions on Nigeria’s political space. But INEC maintained that only applications that meet its legal criteria will be approved.