Group Wants INEC To register New Political Party

In a determined push for political representation and democratic inclusion, the Movement of the People (MOP), a grassroots political group inspired by the late Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti, has renewed its campaign for official recognition as a political party by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Launched under the banner “Register To Rise: The People’s Voice for Electoral Justice,” the campaign underscores what MOP describes as structural barriers undermining political participation in Nigeria. Central to its advocacy is the timely registration of MOP before the statutory suspension of party registrations expected in early 2026—an administrative window that precedes Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

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Seun Kuti, son of the Afrobeat icon and Protem Chairman of MOP, expressed frustration over what he called the continued restriction of Nigeria’s political space. In a press statement released Sunday, Kuti emphasized that the inability of INEC to register new political parties since 2018 poses a serious threat to the country’s democratic progress. “Nigeria’s democracy cannot thrive when the political space is continuously restricted,” he said.

The statement noted that while 72 political parties have been deregistered since 2018, no new party has successfully gained approval. According to Kuti, this imbalance severely limits Nigerians’ choices and diminishes the possibility for alternative leadership models. “This is not just about MOP – it’s about ensuring that Nigeria’s democracy remains open to new voices and fresh ideas,” he added.

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The MOP disclosed that it has submitted four formal applications for registration since 2021, with the most recent filed on March 1, 2025. Despite fulfilling all stipulated procedures and requirements, the group said it has received no official update from INEC regarding the status of its application. This, the movement insists, raises concerns about transparency and fairness within Nigeria’s electoral regulatory framework.

In response to MOP’s claims, INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi, dismissed the accusations, calling them unsubstantiated. “I need to confirm from the department what the situation is, but that definitely cannot be true – that we’re not responding to their request – that is not true,” she stated in a telephone interview.

Despite the denial, MOP remains undeterred. The movement has outlined a broad mobilization plan that includes digital campaigns, community engagement, and collaboration with other civic groups to increase pressure on INEC. The group is also leveraging its cultural roots, using the legacy of Fela Kuti as a symbol of resistance against political marginalization and injustice.

Seun Kuti emphasized the broader implications of MOP’s struggle. “We’re not simply fighting for a name on a ballot; we are fighting for the people’s right to choose who represents them, without restriction, without gatekeeping,” he said.

Political analysts suggest that MOP’s persistence could reshape conversations about political inclusivity in Nigeria. As a movement grounded in music, activism, and popular resistance, its push for registration serves as a rallying call for younger, disenchanted voters looking for alternatives to Nigeria’s dominant political parties.

The coming months will be crucial. As the 2026 deadline for party registration approaches, the standoff between MOP and INEC may evolve into a pivotal legal and political battle, testing the resilience of Nigeria’s democratic systems and the readiness of its institutions to embrace reform.