INEC Denies Registering Two “New” Political Parties Amid Online Rumors

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed recent online claims that it registered two new political parties—Independent Democrats and Peoples Democratic Movement.

In an official statement posted on its X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, INEC labeled the reports as false and misleading, urging the public to disregard them.

The commission clarified, “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.”

INEC further explained that both parties were originally registered in August 2013 but were among several deregistered in February 2020, following Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accuracy, INEC warned against spreading misinformation that could confuse the electorate.