INEC Registers Two New Political Parties, Raises Total To 21
By FIDELUS ZWANSON
THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has registered two new political parties—Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)—bringing the total number of registered political parties in Nigeria to 21.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja during the commission’s quarterly consultative meeting with leaders of political parties. He explained that the registration followed a rigorous assessment process guided by constitutional and statutory provisions.
According to Amupitan, INEC received 171 letters of intent from associations seeking registration as political parties. These applications were evaluated in line with Sections 222 and 223 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), relevant sections of the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties.
Out of the 171 associations, 14 met the initial pre-qualification requirements and were invited to proceed. Eight of them successfully uploaded their documents to INEC’s portal, but only two—DLA and NDC—made it to the final stage of assessment.
He noted that DLA emerged as the only association that fully complied with all legal and regulatory requirements, leading to its registration effective 5 February 2025. The NDC, on the other hand, was registered in compliance with a Federal High Court order issued in Lokoja, Kogi State.
Amupitan said certificates of registration would be issued to both parties in due course.
The INEC chairman, however, expressed concern over rising internal disputes and frequent defections within political parties, warning that such infighting undermines democratic values and distracts from governance and voter engagement.
He urged party leaders to embrace dialogue, unity, and transparent leadership, stressing that INEC remains committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s electoral integrity while maintaining neutrality in party affairs.
