Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has deregistered 74 political parties ahead of the 2023 general elections.

The commission left only 18 political parties from the 92 parties that were in existence during the 2019 elections.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu announced this at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday

With the decision, Nigeria now has 18 political parties, he said.

He said 75 parties did not satisfy the requirement but one went to court, adding that the Booth Party, which registered after 2019, would continue to exist.

According to him, “Nigeria now has 18 parties.”

The 18 parties that scaled the hurdles are: Accord Party, Action Alliance, African Action Congress, African Democratic Congress, All Progressives Congress, All Progressives Grand Alliance and Allied Peoples Movement, Labour Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, National Rescue Movement, Peoples Democratic Party, Peoples Redemption Party, Social Democratic Party, Young Progressives Party, and Zenith Labour Party.

Also, the Independent National Electoral Commission is set to conduct bye-election in three constituencies as a result of the deaths of some serving members of the National and State Houses of Assembly.

Its Chairman, Professor Mahmoud Yakubu announced this at a news briefing.

“The Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives has declared vacancy in Magama/Rijau Federal Constituency of Niger State.

“Similarly, the Honourable Speaker of the Kwara House of Assembly has declared a vacancy in Patigi State Constituency, while the Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly has also declared the Kebbe State Constituency vacant.

“The bye-election will hold simultaneously in the three States of the Federation on Saturday March 14.

“Again, the detailed Timetable and Schedule of Activities will be published on our website and social media platforms shortly.’’

Yakubu, however, reiterated the resolve of INEC to stand firm against acts capable of disrupting the election.

“As we are all aware, election is a process. However, the process does not begin and end with election day activities.

“The conduct of party primaries, nomination of candidates, electioneering campaigns and the submission of the list of polling agents are also essential to the electoral process.

“Above all, good behaviour by all officials and actors involved is crucial for success,” he said.

Yakubu warned all parties and candidates against acts that could constitute violence during party primaries and electioneering campaigns.

He further warned that snatching of election materials or deployment of thugs against INEC officials, observers, the media and unarmed security personnel at polling units were acts punishable under our electoral laws.

“Already, the political atmosphere in a particular state is charged.

“No one should regard the release of the timetable for the election as a signal to further escalate tension or a call to commence the recruitment of thugs and arming of thugs and hoodlums,” he said