Ahead of the 2027 general election, Nigerias political landscape is abuzz with activities, the most recent of which was the disclosure by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, that it has received a staggering 110 applications for the registration of new political parties.
Many years ago, some individuals were motivated to register parties due to the fact that they would get some funding from the electoral umpire. But even though the commission no longer directly gives funds to political parties, the level of interest in registering new parties is said to have been motivated by the desire by some persons to ensure that the President Bola Tinubus All Progressives Congress-led administration does not retain power in 2027.
Specifically, an official of the APC said this unprecedented surge is widely interpreted as a concerted effort by various political forces, both established and emerging, to create new platforms and alliances with the ultimate goal of challenging and potentially dislodging the incumbent from power. This wave of party registration bids is a direct consequence of a deep-seated desire among opposition elements and even some within the ruling partys fringes, to present a formidable front against our party, the All Progressives Congress APC and our leader. But we are not sleeping either. We understand all their moves even before they make them, he said, preferring not to be identified.