The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has promised to remain fair in handling all requests for the registration of new political parties ahead of the 2027 general election.
This assurance was given to Nigerians by the INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu at the Second Regular Consultative Meeting With Civil Society Organisations in Abuja on Wednesday, June 25.
In a statement issued after the meeting, the chairman said INEC registered a total of 91 parties and 73 presidential candidates before the 2019 general elections.
Yakubu, however, stated that following criticism over the large number of political parties within the ecosystem, the commission in line with the provisions of the law deregistered 70 parties before the 2023 polls.
His words, “For the record, the present Commission registered the largest number of political parties in Nigeria strictly following the provision of the electoral legal framework.
“For the 2019 General Election, there were 91 political parties and 73 presidential candidates.
“The Commission was criticised in some quarters for registering too many political parties. After the election, the Commission also deregistered over 70 political parties as provided by law,” Yakubu stated.
He reassured citizens that the commission under the current situation will continue to operate strictly under the law and in fairness to all associations seeking registration as political parties.
“We will treat all requests fairly. Nigerians will be fully briefed on the actions taken by the Commission every step of the way,” he noted.
