Nigeria’s democratic structure is built on multi-party participation. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially recognizes 18 political parties. Each party is registered with a unique name, acronym, and ballot symbol—used by voters to identify and vote during elections.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the A–Z list of all INEC-registered political parties in Nigeria and their official symbols, helping voters and citizens stay informed.
Full List of INEC-Registered Political Parties and Their Symbols
1. Accord (A)
- Symbol: A hand giving a handshake
- Meaning: Unity and agreement
2. Action Alliance (AA)
- Symbol: Rising sun over Nigeria’s map
- Meaning: New dawn for development
3. African Action Congress (AAC)
- Symbol: Raised fist inside a circle
- Meaning: Power to the people and activism
4. Action Democratic Party (ADP)
- Symbol: Book and pen
- Meaning: Education and policy-focused governance
5. Action Peoples Party (APP)
- Symbol: Elephant
- Meaning: Strength and stability
6. African Democratic Congress (ADC)
- Symbol: Handshake
- Meaning: Peace, collaboration, and unity
7. All Progressives Congress (APC)
- Symbol: Broom
- Meaning: Sweeping away corruption and bad governance
8. All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)
- Symbol: Cock (Rooster)
- Meaning: Wake-up call and vigilance
9. Allied Peoples Movement (APM)
- Symbol: White horse
- Meaning: Speed, resilience, and progress
10. Boot Party (BP)
- Symbol: Black military-style boot
- Meaning: Order, strength, and grassroots support
11. Labour Party (LP)
- Symbol: Cogwheel enclosing man, woman & child
- Meaning: Labour, family values, and social welfare
12. National Rescue Movement (NRM)
- Symbol: Lifebuoy
- Meaning: Hope and national salvation
13. New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)
- Symbol: Open book with graduation cap
- Meaning: Education and empowerment
14. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
- Symbol: Umbrella (Red, White, Green)
- Meaning: Protection, inclusiveness, and shelter for all
15. Peoples Redemption Party (PRP)
- Symbol: Key
- Meaning: Access to opportunity and redemption
16. Social Democratic Party (SDP)
- Symbol: White horse inside a green circle
- Meaning: Movement, energy, and prosperity
17. Young Progressive Party (YPP)
- Symbol: Open white door with Nigeria’s map
- Meaning: Youth empowerment and inclusive governance
18. Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)
- Symbol: Gear and shovel
- Meaning: Hard work and industrial development
Why Political Symbols Matter in Nigeria
Political party symbols are not just mere designs—they play a vital role, especially in a country with a significant illiterate population. Here’s why symbols matter:
- Voter Identification: Many voters rely on symbols to identify their chosen parties during elections.
- Campaign Visibility: Parties use these symbols in posters, merchandise, and digital content.
- Election Ballots: INEC includes the symbols beside party names to help voters make the right choice.
How to Recognize Party Symbols on the Ballot
Each political party’s symbol is displayed alongside its name and acronym on the INEC-approved ballot papers. To vote effectively:
- Familiarize yourself with your preferred party’s symbol.
- Look for the party symbol during voting.
- Mark your choice clearly beside the party’s symbol.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How many political parties are registered in Nigeria?
A: There are 18 officially registered political parties recognized by INEC.
Q2: Why are political party symbols used in Nigerian elections?
A: They help voters, especially those who cannot read or write, identify parties easily on the ballot paper.
Q3: Can party symbols change over time?
A: Party symbols are registered with INEC and rarely change unless the party officially applies for a change.
Q4: Are all party logos the same as ballot symbols?
A: Not always. The official ballot symbol must be registered and approved by INEC, even if it looks similar to the party logo.
Conclusion
Understanding Nigeria’s political parties and their symbols helps strengthen democracy. Whether you're a voter, political enthusiast, or student of governance, this guide keeps you updated on the major players in the nation’s political space.
