The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has categorically denied media reports suggesting it has registered two new political parties in Nigeria.
The commission made the clarification in a statement posted to its verified social media account on Wednesday, describing the information being shared by some online sources as “fake news.”
INEC referenced the specific claims involving the Independent Democrats (ID) and the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM), both of which, it explained, were previously deregistered and have not been reinstated.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission has not registered any new political parties,” the statement affirmed. “The total number of recognised political parties in Nigeria currently stands at 19.”
The electoral body noted that ID and PDM had both been established in August 2013 but were deregistered in February 2020 as part of a broader exercise in line with the provisions of Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution.
The commission warned the public to be cautious of misinformation and urged media outlets to confirm facts before disseminating politically sensitive content.
