The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed that a total of 129 associations have so far submitted applications seeking registration as political parties in Nigeria.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday, July 10, by Sam Olumekun, mni, the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, following the Commission’s regular weekly meeting.

According to the update, seven new applications were received within the past week, bringing the total number of interested associations to 129. All applications are currently under review.

INEC announced the introduction of a new digital political party registration portal, which will form a module within its Party Financial Reporting and Auditing System (PFRAS). The Commission says the innovation will streamline the registration process and reduce delays compared to the previously used manual method.

“The Commission will conclude the final testing of the portal in the next one week,” Olumekun stated. “Once ready, the next steps for eligible associations to proceed with formal applications will be announced, alongside clear guidelines for using the platform.”

He added that the list of all applicant associations has been published on the Commission’s website and other official platforms for public access and scrutiny.