By Ameh Gabriel
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a major digital shift in its political party registration process as the number of pending applications from aspiring political associations climbs to 129.
The development was made public following INEC’s weekly management meeting held on Thursday, July 10, 2025, where officials reviewed recent submissions including seven new applications received in the last week alone.
In a strategic move to improve transparency, speed, and efficiency, INEC is replacing the previously manual registration system with a digital platform integrated into its Party Financial Reporting and Auditing System (PFRAS).
According to Sam Olumekun, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, final testing of the new registration portal is currently underway and is expected to be completed within the next week.
“Once testing is complete, eligible associations will be invited to submit their applications through the new digital interface,” Olumekun said.
He added that comprehensive guidelines will be published to help prospective parties navigate the system and ensure compliance with registration requirements.
In a bid to promote transparency and public awareness, INEC has also uploaded the full list of applicant associations to its official website and social media platforms, inviting public scrutiny and engagement.
The Commission’s digital shift is part of a broader agenda to modernize electoral administration in Nigeria, reinforcing its commitment to openness, accountability, and innovation.
