ABUJA — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has received 110 letters from associations seeking registration as political parties, amid growing legal pressure on its chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, over alleged disobedience of a court order.
Disclosing the development during a quarterly consultative meeting with media executives in Abuja on Tuesday, Yakubu assured Nigerians that the commission would conduct a fair and impartial registration process.
Among the associations seeking registration are two linked to the Obidient Movement: the Obidient Peoples Party led by Barry Avotu Johnson as pro tem chairman, and the Progressive Obidients Party. Another prominent application is the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), reportedly promoted by opposition figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former governors Rotimi Amaechi and Nasir el-Rufai, and Dr Umar Ardo of the League of Northern Democrats.
Other applicants include the Zonal Rescue Movement, Village Intelligence Party, Great Nigeria Party, and All Labour’s Party.
Yakubu said the commission had acknowledged nearly all requests received, except six new applications, which would be processed before the end of the week. He promised that the full list of proposed parties, including their names, acronyms, offices, and pro tem officers, would be published on INEC’s website and social media channels.
Reacting to allegations of bias and selective treatment, Yakubu dismissed the claims and insisted INEC would uphold its commitment to transparency and legality. He also reminded the public that INEC had previously registered 91 parties for the 2019 elections and later deregistered over 70 based on legal provisions.
Meanwhile, Yakubu is facing a legal challenge that could result in imprisonment for contempt of court. The Federal High Court in Abuja served him with Form 49, a legal notice compelling him to explain why he should not be jailed for disobeying a court order related to the National Rescue Movement (NRM).
This follows Form 48, which was served earlier last week, warning Yakubu of the consequences of non-compliance. The court had, in a ruling by Justice Egwuatu on March 5, 2025, ordered INEC to accept and recognise the outcome of the NRM’s emergency national convention held on January 17.
NRM spokesperson, Chinedu Anselm, warned that Yakubu had limited time to comply or risk being docked and potentially imprisoned. “Yakubu’s defiance of court orders may have earned him an indelible scar that can make him easily identifiable wherever he goes,” Anselm said.
In response, INEC’s legal adviser downplayed the controversy, stating that the matter was already being handled and that Yakubu was accustomed to receiving such legal notices.
