So, you’ve read the political tea on ADA, Atiku and El-Rufai’s not-so-secret new party. But wait; how does one even register a political party in Nigeria—legally, logistically, and politically?
Strap in. Because registering a party in Nigeria is less about just filling forms and more like running a bureaucratic marathon while blindfolded, with INEC watching like a judgmental referee.
First, Why Even Register A New Party?
If you’re Atiku, El-Rufai, or Amaechi, it’s probably because:
PDP and APC are so overused, even their own logos are tired.
Forming a new party helps them dodge internal politics and zoning headaches.
It gives them leverage against established parties—”Approve us or look anti-democratic!”
But for everyday Nigerians dreaming of launching a political revolution—or chaos—here’s what it really takes.
📝 Step-by-Step: How To Register A New Party In Nigeria
1. Notify INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission)– Early
You must submit intent to register at least 12 months before any general election.
That means if you’re eyeing 2027, your party must have kicked off registration by 2026 or earlier. Tick-tock!
2. Submit Required Documents
Party constitution
Party manifesto
List of executive members, drawn from at least 24 states (yes, that’s two-thirds of Nigeria) 🌍
Party headquarters address – and no, your uncle’s parlor in Ibadan doesn’t count
3. Pay The INEC Registration Fee
Currently pegged at a juicy ₦1 million (but with Nigeria’s inflation, who knows?).
This doesn’t include your branding, mobilization, or lobbying budget.
Politics in Nigeria is a rich man’s game—no crowdfunding miracles here.
4. Inspection & Verification
INEC will inspect your offices and verify your claims. If you lied about that Abuja HQ, or “borrowed” a constitution from another party (we’re looking at you, ‘fake movement’ guys), expect a rejection slip with zero chill.
5. INEC Decision
INEC has 30 days to make a decision. If your application is rejected, you can head to court. But if approved, congratulations: you’re now officially part of Nigeria’s political madness.
Now, the Dark Truth…
It’s Not Just About Process—It’s About Politics
INEC may pretend to be neutral, but let’s be honest: approval often depends on who you are—or who backs you.
Also Read: ADA: All You Need To Know About Atiku/El‑Rufai’s New Party
The ADA guys aren’t exactly underdogs. With deep pockets and deeper contacts, they can bulldoze where grassroots movements get ghosted.
⚖️ Court Battles Are Common
In the 2019-2023 cycle, INEC deregistered 74 parties.
Most ran to court. Some won reinstatement. So yes, even if you win today, you could be axed tomorrow—especially if you don’t win a single LGA.
Why You Should Care
With ADA’s emergence, there’s renewed focus on how elite coalitions register parties, while citizens struggle with the same system. It raises serious questions:
Is the Nigerian political space truly open?
Can young people or independent thinkers break into it?
Or is INEC just the bouncer at a club only rich godfathers can enter?
ADA And The Future
If ADA pulls this off—either by forming fresh or hijacking SDP—it’ll be a case study in Nigerian political opportunism and genius.
But for the rest of us, the system remains stacked. Registering a party is legal on paper. But in reality? It’s a game of influence, money, and insider chess.