We Might Have More Than 200 Political Parties Contesting In 2023 – INEC

INEC has disclosed that it is worried over the number of associations that have applied to be registered as political parties ahead of the elections in four years time.

INEC shared that it was disturbed that unless there is a quick reform, we will have more than 200 political parties participating in the next general election.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu revealed this at an Electoral Reform Roundtable organised by Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, in conjunction with Kofi Annan Foundation.

He said, “Let me just say that one of the biggest challenges the commission has as at today, relates to the plethora of pre-election matters that are still pending in the various courts of law.

“As at today, the commission has in its docket a total of 809 pre-election matters, while we have 800 post-election matters.

“As at yesterday (Tuesday), the commission has withdrawn and issued over 70 Certificates of Return that were previously issued to those that were elected into states and National Assembly positions. There are more we are still withdrawing and there are more we are still issuing.

“Some of these issues arose as a result of what we called not too transparent primary elections conducted by political parties, and this is really a source of concern that up till today, there are still cases arising from pre-election matters that are still pending in courts.

“We have also expressed concern over the number and quality of political parties in Nigeria. Our ballot papers are getting longer, the result sheets are getting bigger and it is also creating a big challenge for the voters in the field.

“I think we need to have a national conversation on this matter to see if we really need the number of political parties in existence in the country.

“This is because as at today, the number of political parties fighting to be registered can be said to be more than the number of political parties already in existence.

“The implication is that if we register all the political associations that have applied for registration, we are going to go into the 2023 general elections with over 200 political parties. I do not know whether this is really what the Nigerian people need.”