Nigeria’s Political Landscape Expands: INEC Registers Two New Parties

Nigeria’s Political Landscape Expands: INEC Registers Two New Parties

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially registered two new political parties, increasing the total number of registered parties in Nigeria to 21, the commission announced on Wednesday.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, made the disclosure during the commission’s quarterly consultative meeting with political party leaders in Abuja, explaining that the two new parties are the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

Prof. Amupitan stated that the DLA was the only association out of 171 seeking INEC registration that fully met the constitutional and legal requirements for political party registration. The NDC was registered in compliance with a Federal High Court order in Lokoja, Kogi State, following Suit No. FHC/LKJ/CS/49/2025 between Barr Takori Mohammed Sanni & Ors v. INEC. Certificates of registration for the new parties will be handed over in due course.

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He recalled that INEC received 171 letters of intent from associations seeking political party status. After pre-qualification, 14 associations were invited to proceed to the next stage, and eight successfully uploaded their documents for verification. Only DLA satisfied all statutory requirements and was cleared for registration.

Prof. Amupitan also expressed concern over internal conflicts within political parties, noting that disputes and litigations over leadership often distract parties from their core objectives, erode public trust, and strain the judicial system. He urged party leaders to prioritise constructive dialogue, internal cohesion, and policy development, emphasizing that transparent and stable leadership is essential for the health of Nigeria’s democracy.

He reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral processes, stressing that the ability of political parties to function effectively, debate ideas, and engage citizens is central to a thriving democracy. Amupitan warned that repeated legal battles and infighting could compromise the commission’s mandate to ensure free, fair, and credible elections across the country.

The registration of DLA and NDC is expected to provide voters with more choices and foster greater political participation, while reinforcing the multi-party system that underpins Nigeria’s democratic governance.

Nigeria’s Political Landscape Expands: INEC Registers Two New Parties