2027 and the Explosion of Political Parties: Progress or Chaos?

BY – ABIODUN IFEOLUWA.

As Nigeria edges closer to the pivotal 2027 general elections, a political storm is brewing not over policy, but over the ballot itself.

A staggering 151 new political associations have applied for registration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), setting the stage for what could become the most crowded political race in the nation’s history.

This unprecedented surge is fueling a fierce national debate: Is Nigeria’s democracy maturing into a truly participatory system—or spiraling into chaos masked as choice?

With party logos multiplying faster than manifestos, and motivations ranging from genuine reform to political opportunism, the lines between progress and pandemonium are increasingly blurred.

While some view the proliferation of parties as a welcome expansion of political participation, others fear that it will overwhelm voters, burden electoral logistics, and deepen governance instability.

A Fragmented Political Landscape

INEC, the body responsible for registering and regulating political parties, recently confirmed that more than 110 applications were submitted between 2024 and mid-2025 alone. Most of the applicants, according to sources within the commission, are law firms and political proxies representing known political actors hedging their bets ahead of 2027.

“Many of these so-called new parties are not grassroots-driven. They’re power vehicles for disgruntled politicians or political ‘insurance’ against intra-party crises,” a senior INEC official told the press under anonymity.

This wave of registrations mirrors the pre-2019 trend, where the number of parties ballooned to 91, prompting INEC to later deregister 74 non-performing parties in 2020.

Motivations: Power, Prestige, or Progress?

Political analysts argue that the reasons behind this explosion are multifaceted:

• Political Insurance: Many top politicians are believed to be sponsoring alternative parties to secure a backup platform in case they lose relevance in their current parties.

• Business Ventures: Some see political parties as “rent-seeking” opportunities—registered for the purpose of selling nominations, forming alliances, or receiving grants.

• Genuine Alternatives: A minority of new parties are born out of ideological convictions or regional advocacy, seeking to fill the void left by mainstream parties.

“We are creating a youth-centric party because APC and PDP have failed this country. We want a new Nigeria,” said Gbenga Akande, convener of the yet-to-be-registered New Progressive Alliance (NPA).

Party Funding and Electoral Integrity

Civil society organizations have raised concerns over the high cost of party nomination forms, which they say marginalizes women, youth, and persons with disabilities. In June 2025, the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA) called on INEC to regulate nomination form fees to level the playing field.

“You can’t have true democracy when only the rich can afford to run for office. The proliferation of parties is useless if all they do is mimic the financial elitism of the bigger parties,” said Ezenwa Nwagwu, a prominent election monitor.

INEC, meanwhile, has warned that an uncontrolled increase in parties will strain its operational capacity and could affect election credibility.

“During the 2019 elections, many party agents weren’t real representatives but hired thugs used to intimidate voters or manipulate collation processes,” noted a retired INEC commissioner.

What the Public Thinks ;

A recent public sentiment survey conducted in Lagos, Abuja, and Kano revealed a mixed reaction:

• 53% said more parties would allow for better choices and push the big parties to perform.

• 42% believed it would confuse voters and dilute political accountability.

• 5% were undecided.

“I welcome new parties, but we need serious ones. Not every man with a briefcase should become a party chairman,” said Grace Musa, a university student in Abuja.

“Most of these new parties will never contest, let alone win. They’re just noise-makers looking for political favours,” added Usman Sani, a trader in Kano.

Expert Opinions: A Double-Edged Sword

Political scientist Dr. Remi Aiyede warns that while more parties may suggest progress on the surface, the absence of internal party democracy and ideological depth remains a critical weakness.

“We don’t just need more parties; we need better parties rooted in values, policies, and public service,” he stated.

Similarly, legal expert Douglas Ogbankwa emphasized the need for constitutional reform to regulate the formation and functions of political parties.

“INEC must raise the bar on registration requirements—not to block access, but to ensure viability and ideological clarity,” he said.

Is This Progress or Chaos?

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Conclusion: Nigeria at a Political Crossroads

The growing number of political parties ahead of 2027 reveals both the strengths and weaknesses of Nigeria’s democratic framework. While it reflects a hunger for alternatives, it also exposes the system’s vulnerability to abuse, opportunism, and disorder.

Without reforms to ensure accountability, clear ideological direction, and inclusive participation, the explosion of political parties may create more problems than solutions.

As the 2027 elections approach, the real test will not be in how many parties contest, but whether any of them can inspire trust, drive change, and uphold the will of the people.