The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the rollout of a new online portal to streamline the registration of political parties, a move aimed at improving transparency and operational efficiency ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued after INEC’s weekly meeting in Abuja, Sam Olumekun, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, said the portal will replace the manual process and be integrated into the commission’s Party Financial Reporting and Auditing System (PFRAS).
“This will make the process faster and more seamless. In the next one week, the commission will conclude the final testing of the portal before deployment,” Olumekun said.
He disclosed that 129 associations have applied for registration as political parties, with seven new applications recently received. INEC also plans to release guidelines for portal usage and publish a list of applying associations on its official website.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) held a strategic meeting in Abuja, where state chairmen from all 36 states and the FCT reaffirmed their support for the party’s interim leadership under former Senate President David Mark.
The meeting was convened to quell rumours of internal divisions and reinforce unity around the ADC’s ongoing coalition-building efforts in preparation for 2027.
“We invited all the state chairmen to reassure them that we have no intention to shove them aside… They are partners in building a stronger political party,” said Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s spokesman.
Abdullahi dismissed recent criticisms by former presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu, who questioned the legitimacy of the new leadership, insisting that the ADC’s transition is legally sound.
Kingsley Ogga, Chairman of the ADC Forum of State Chairmen and Kogi State Chairman, affirmed that no state chairman has opposed the coalition or resigned, emphasizing unified support across the country.
“Everyone remains committed,” Ogga stated.
The developments reflect the heightened pace of political realignment and party restructuring as stakeholders gear up for the 2027 general elections.
