The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially registered two new political parties, marking another significant milestone in Nigeria’s political landscape.
The announcement was made by INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, during the commission’s first regular consultative meeting with political parties held in Abuja on Thursday, February 5.
The parties approved for registration are the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
According to Amupitan, the registration process followed a rigorous assessment aimed at ensuring full compliance with the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act.
The chairman explained that INEC initially received 171 letters of intent from associations aspiring to become recognized political parties.
Following preliminary evaluations, 14 associations successfully passed the pre-qualification stage. Of these, only eight proceeded to submit their required documents through INEC’s dedicated online portal.
The eight associations included the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), Citizens Democratic Alliance (CDA), Abundance Social Party (ASP), African Alliance Party (AAP), Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), Green Future Party (GFP), National Democratic Party (NDP), and the Peoples Freedom Party (PFP).
“After a detailed review and verification of compliance with the law, only the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) met all necessary legal requirements for registration,” Amupitan said.
He emphasized that the political party registration of DLA reflects the commission’s commitment to upholding transparency, fairness, and the rule of law in party recognition.
Amupitan further revealed that the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is also being registered, but its approval stems from a judicial directive.
“The Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, in suit No. FHC/LKJ/CS/49/2025 between Barr. Takori Mohammed Sanni & Ors v. INEC ordered the commission to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party.
“In line with the court order, INEC has complied, and the party’s registration is being finalized,” he stated.
INEC noted that certificates of registration for both the DLA and NDC will be formally presented in due course, officially recognizing them as political entities eligible to participate in Nigeria’s electoral process.
This step strengthens the democratic process, offering Nigerians more options for representation and political engagement.
Political analysts have highlighted that the registration of new parties, especially after stringent assessments and legal verification, helps reinforce electoral credibility.
By carefully reviewing applicants and ensuring adherence to legal provisions, INEC seeks to maintain the integrity of the political party registration process, preventing frivolous or non-compliant groups from gaining official recognition.
The chairman also reassured other aspiring associations that INEC remains committed to a transparent and structured registration framework.
With the addition of DLA and NDC, Nigeria now has a broader array of political parties competing in upcoming elections, potentially enriching the democratic experience for citizens.
The registration of these parties not only reflects compliance with legal and constitutional requirements but also demonstrates the growing dynamism within Nigeria’s political environment.
Through proper political party registration, the commission ensures that parties operate under a regulated framework, contributing to stability, accountability, and enhanced citizen participation in governance.
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