The Independent National Electoral Commission has dismissed reports claiming that it has registered two new political parties in Nigeria.
A statement released by the commission on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, described the news as false and misleading. The report had circulated online, suggesting that INEC approved the registration of the “Independent Democrats” and the “Peoples Democratic Movement.”
INEC responded through its official page on X (formerly Twitter), saying: “For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission has not yet registered any new party. The current number of registered political parties in Nigeria is 19. Nothing has been added.”
The commission also explained that both the Independent Democrats and the Peoples Democratic Movement were formerly recognised but had been deregistered.
“It will be recalled that both the ‘Independent Democrats’ and ‘Peoples Democratic Movement’ were registered as political parties in August 2013. However, they were deregistered in February 2020 in accordance with Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” INEC said.
INEC urged Nigerians to ignore the false report and assured the public that it would continue to operate within the law and maintain transparency in all its activities.
“We urge the public to disregard the said report,” the commission added.
