The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has registered 171 new political parties.

In a statement on Thursday, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, said that since the last update, 19 more letters of intent have been received, bringing the total to 171 as of September 3, 2025.

“Details of the latest submissions are available on our website,” the updated list has been published on the commission’s website and other official platforms,“ Olumekun said.

He added that a review committee set up by the commission had completed its assessment of the applications and submitted recommendations for final consideration.

“As earlier announced, a shortlist of pre-qualified associations is being finalised for the next stage of the registration process,” he said.

The commission urged applicants to be patient and avoid practices that could delay their approval.

“We appeal to associations to remain patient as we conclude the process.

Frequent changes to logos, acronyms, and addresses, or multiple applications by one association, only cause delays.

In some cases, interim leaders have defected to other associations or existing parties, further slowing the process,” Olumekun warned.

Siminalayi Fubara is expected to return as governor of Rivers State on September 18, marking the end of the six-month state of emergency imposed by President of Bola Tinubu on the state on March 18.

A source at the Presidential Villa in Abuja told journalists that Fubara was required to relinquish control over all governance structures as a precondition for reinstatement.

“He will not control the local government and the Rivers State House of Assembly. This is to ensure that peace reigns,” the source said.

“On his return, he will be handed the list of commissioners, which he will pass on to the House of Assembly for approval.”

The source furthermore disclosed that key appointments, project priorities, capital projects and major expenditures will be decided from Abuja.

This move is intended to prevent clashes between Fubara and lawmakers, the source said, noting that “Wike will take all the bullets” for the governor.

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago on Monday dissolved his cabinet during the weekly State Executive Council Meeting, warning the outgone commissioners against lobbying anyone for any position.

He ordered the Permanent Secretaries to take over affairs of the ministries pending when new commissioners will be inaugurated.

“Don’t lobby anyone, no one can lobby me. As you leave here, please hand over to the Permanent Secretaries in your ministries,” he said.

Bago assured that in a week or two, he will constitute a new cabinet, adding that he has reviewed everyone’s performance.

He said that while some performed well, others did not perform very well.