Nigeria operates a multi-party democratic system, where the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) oversees the registration and regulation of political parties. INEC officially recognizes 18 political parties, each with a unique name, acronym, and ballot symbol that voters can easily identify during elections.
This guide provides an A-to-Z list of all INEC-registered political parties in Nigeria and the symbols they use for electoral identification—especially important for voters who may be illiterate or unfamiliar with political acronyms.
INEC-Recognized Political Parties and Their Symbols
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Accord (A)
Symbol: A handshake
Represents: Unity, peace, and agreement. -
Action Alliance (AA)
Symbol: Rising sun over Nigeria's map
Represents: A new dawn and national rebirth. -
African Action Congress (AAC)
Symbol: Raised fist in a circle
Represents: Grassroots activism and people’s power. -
Action Democratic Party (ADP)
Symbol: Book and pen
Represents: Educational reform and policy-driven leadership. -
Action Peoples Party (APP)
Symbol: Elephant
Represents: Strength, reliability, and stability. -
African Democratic Congress (ADC)
Symbol: Handshake
Represents: National unity and cooperation. -
All Progressives Congress (APC)
Symbol: Broom
Represents: Anti-corruption, unity, and clean governance. -
All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)
Symbol: Rooster (Cock)
Represents: Alertness, courage, and awakening. -
Allied Peoples Movement (APM)
Symbol: White horse
Represents: Speed, progress, and resilience. -
Boot Party (BP)
Symbol: Black military-style boot
Represents: Discipline, strength, and grassroots mobilization. -
Labour Party (LP)
Symbol: Gearwheel enclosing a man, woman, and child
Represents: Labour values, social equity, and family welfare. -
National Rescue Movement (NRM)
Symbol: Lifebuoy
Represents: National salvation and hope. -
New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)
Symbol: Open book with graduation cap
Represents: Education, knowledge, and empowerment. -
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
Symbol: Umbrella in red, white, and green
Represents: Inclusivity, protection, and shelter for all. -
Peoples Redemption Party (PRP)
Symbol: Key
Represents: Access to justice and transformative change. -
Social Democratic Party (SDP)
Symbol: White horse in green circle
Represents: Growth, movement, and prosperity. -
Young Progressive Party (YPP)
Symbol: Open door with Nigeria’s map
Represents: Youth empowerment and open governance. -
Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)
Symbol: Gear and shovel
Represents: Industry, productivity, and hard work.
Why Political Symbols Matter in Nigerian Elections
Political symbols aren’t just decorative—they serve a functional and legal purpose. In a country where illiteracy remains a challenge, symbols allow voters to:
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Identify political parties easily on the ballot.
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Recognize party affiliations during campaigns and rallies.
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Make informed choices even without reading skills.
These symbols are registered with INEC and displayed beside party names on election ballots, ensuring clarity and voter confidence during elections.
How to Identify Party Symbols During Voting
When voting in Nigeria:
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Look for the symbol beside the party acronym.
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Confirm it matches the party you support.
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Mark your vote clearly in the space provided next to the symbol.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How many political parties are recognized by INEC in 2025?
A: INEC officially recognizes 18 political parties in Nigeria.
Q2: Why are symbols important in Nigerian elections?
A: Symbols help voters—especially those who are illiterate—identify their chosen parties on the ballot paper.
Q3: Can a party change its symbol?
A: Yes, but only after applying to and receiving approval from INEC.
Q4: Is the party logo always the same as the ballot symbol?
A: Not necessarily. A party’s official ballot symbol must be registered with INEC, even if it looks similar to the party’s public logo.
Conclusion
Understanding Nigeria’s political landscape is essential for all voters and citizens. Familiarizing yourself with the official INEC-registered political parties and their symbols ensures a more informed, inclusive, and democratic electoral process. As Nigeria heads into future elections, your awareness of these symbols empowers you to vote wisely and confidently.