By Charles Onuoha
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released fresh supplementary regulations and guidelines to clarify the process for reviewing election results. The Commission also confirmed it is currently processing 122 applications from associations seeking registration as political parties.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday, July 3, 2025, by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, following INEC’s regular weekly meeting.
Olumekun explained that the new supplementary guidelines provide clear procedures and timelines for invoking the Commission’s powers under Section 65 of the Electoral Act, 2022. That section authorizes INEC to review any declaration or return made involuntarily or in violation of the law, electoral guidelines, or regulations.
“In response to various interpretations of Section 65, the Commission has now exercised its legal mandate to provide clarity through Supplementary No. 1 to the main Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, 2022,” the statement read.
The document has been uploaded to INEC’s website and other platforms to ensure public access and understanding.
On the issue of party registration, INEC said it had received 110 applications as of June 23, 2025, and an additional 12 as of Wednesday, July 2—bringing the total number of applications to 122.
The Commission noted that details of the associations, including names, acronyms, addresses, and interim leadership, have also been made available to the public via its website.
However, Olumekun disclosed that one of the applying associations had already changed its interim secretary due to defection to another group. He advised applicant associations to maintain consistency in their leadership and contact information to avoid unnecessary delays during the vetting process.
INEC assured Nigerians that all applications are being handled transparently and in line with the Electoral Act and the 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties.
The Commission also reaffirmed its commitment to upholding fairness and due process in both the electoral review and party registration processes.
