The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has disclosed that 86 groups are seeking registration as political parties ahead of the 2019 general elections.
Chairman of the commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said this during the commission’s quarterly meeting with leaders of political parties at the INEC headquarters, Abuja, on Tuesday.
“The number of applications for registration of new associations as political parties now stands at 86″, Yakubu said.
He congratulated the 10 political parties recently re-registered after being deregistered following their performances during the 2015 general elections.
They are Better Nigeria Peoples Parties, Peoples Redemption Party, Peoples Progressives Party, Democratic Alternative, National Action Council and National Democratic Liberty Party.
Others are: Masses Movement of Nigeria, National Conscience Party, Nigeria Element Progressives Party and the National Unity Party.
The chairman added that: “The names of these political parties have already been uploaded on our website.
“But, I will like to appeal to those of them that are yet to open their offices, to do so and immediately notify the commission.”
He also congratulated the Inter Party Advisory Council on the successful conduct of its election, which he said was useful for the development of the country’s electoral system.
He said: “I wish to assure you that INEC will continue to partner IPAC.”
The chairman said that agenda of the quarterly meeting included INEC’s proposed strategic plan for 2017-2021, court judgement on the roles of political parties, violence in the conduct of parties’ primaries and elections generally.
Others are internal democracy of political parties, parties’ campaign finances, nationwide continuous voter registration, outstanding Anambra Central senatorial re-run election and presentation on INEC innovations.