The Green Future Party (GFP) has accused Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of unjustly denying its formal registration, despite the party asserting that it fulfilled all statutory requirements. The allegation was made by Adefolaseye Adebayo, the party’s Interim National Chairman, during an interview on Arise Television on Monday.
According to a report by Media Talk Africa, the GFP was among several political associations that submitted applications for registration with INEC during the 2025-2026 window. Other groups included the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) and the Citizens Democratic Alliance (CDA). However, as of February 2026, the GFP had not received final certification as a recognized political party.
Adebayo claimed the commission acted contrary to its own guidelines. He stated that the GFP completed the physical verification process and was verbally informed by INEC officials that its performance was satisfactory. “Yet, after the statutory 60 days elapsed, INEC turned around to claim we did not comply with conditions we had already fulfilled,” he said. The party leadership believes there is a “political undertone” to the decision, pointing to requirements such as proof of Nigerian citizenship for founding members and a party flag distinct from the national flag—criteria they maintain were met.
INEC has not issued a public statement responding to the specific allegations. The commission is constitutionally mandated to register political parties that meet its criteria, a process designed to ensure viable alternatives for Nigerian voters. The denial leaves the GFP unable to field candidates in future elections, a significant setback for a group that invested resources in the application process.
This dispute highlights the challenges new political entities face in Nigeria’s crowded electoral landscape. With the next general elections scheduled for 2027, the timing of INEC’s decisions on party registration is critical. The GFP’s case may set a precedent for how strictly the commission enforces its rules and whether administrative delays can amount to de facto disqualification. The party has indicated it will explore all legal avenues to challenge INEC’s stance, a path taken by other groups in the past. The outcome will be closely watched by other aspiring parties and stakeholders concerned with political pluralism in Nigeria.
