The Independent National Electoral Commission disclosed that it has approved the registration of two new political parties, the Democratic Leadership Alliance and the Nigeria Democratic Congress, as it intensifies preparations for the 2027 General Election.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, announced the decision in Abuja on Thursday at the commission’s first regular consultative meeting with political parties for 2026.
Encmediaone reports that there are 18 registered political parties in the country following the last registrations before the 2023 general elections.
Giving a detailed narration of how the commission arrived at its decision, Amupitan said only DLA met all statutory requirements after a rigorous screening of a total of 171 associations that sought registration.
“You will recall that the commission received a total of 171 letters of intent from associations seeking registration as political parties.
“The associations were assessed in line with Sections 222 and 223 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), Sections 75 and 79(1), (2) and (4) of the Electoral Act, 2022, as well as Clause 2 of the commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, 2022,” Amupitan said.
He added that of the 171, only 14 associations satisfied the initial prequalification and were subsequently invited to proceed to the next stage.
“Of these, eight successfully uploaded their documents on the commission’s dedicated portal. They are 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).
“Out of the eight above, only two qualified for final assessment and verification of due compliance with the Constitution and the Electoral Act.
“After due consideration, only the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) was found to have complied fully with the requirements of the law. Accordingly, the Commission has decided to register the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) as a political party, effective from today, 5th February 2026,” the INEC chairman announced.
He added that INEC would also comply with a Federal High Court order directing the registration of NDC.
“Furthermore, 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 Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party.
“The commission has decided to comply with the order and is being registered as a political party. Certificate of Registration will be handed over to the two new political parties in due course,” he said.
The INEC boss, however, warned parties against internal leadership squabbles and excessive litigation.