INEC registers two new political parties

Nigeria’s political landscape has expanded following the registration of two additional political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), bringing the total number of recognised parties in the country to 21.

The development was announced in Abuja by INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, during the commission’s quarterly consultative meeting with leaders of political parties.

The newly registered parties are the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

Amupitan explained that the DLA emerged as the only group that successfully met all statutory requirements out of 171 associations that applied for registration, while the NDC gained recognition following a court directive.

According to him, INEC received 171 letters of intent from associations seeking to become political parties and subjected them to rigorous screening based on constitutional and electoral provisions.

The applications were assessed in line with Sections 222 and 223 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Sections 75 and 79 of the Electoral Act 2022, and the commission’s 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties.

“Consequently, 14 associations that satisfied the initial pre-qualification were invited to proceed to the next stage. Of these, eight successfully uploaded their documents on the commission’s dedicated portal,” Amupitan said.

He listed the eight as the All Democratic Alliance, Citizens Democratic Alliance, Abundance Social Party, African Alliance Party, Democratic Leadership Alliance, Green Future Party, National Democratic Party and Peoples Freedom Party.

“Out of the eight above, only two qualified for final assessment and verification of due compliance with the Constitution and the Electoral Act,” he added.

“After due consideration, only the Democratic Leadership Alliance was found to have complied fully with the requirements of the law.

“Accordingly, the commission decided to register the DLA as a political party, effective from today, Feb. 5, 2025.”

Amupitan further disclosed that the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress followed a ruling of the Federal High Court in Lokoja.

“Furthermore, the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi, 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.

Beyond party registration, the INEC chairman raised concerns over persistent leadership disputes and internal defections within political parties, warning that such crises threaten the stability of the electoral system.

He said increasing infighting among party leaders often results in avoidable legal battles that place unnecessary strain on the judiciary and divert INEC’s attention from its core mandate.

“However, it is with great concern that I note the current trend of infighting among party leaderships, which not only detracts from the core objectives of these political entities but also spills over into unnecessary legal battles that tax our judicial system and public resources,” Amupitan said.

“These numerous litigations, in which the commission often finds itself joined as a party, divert our attention from our primary mandate: to ensure free, fair, and credible elections in Nigeria.”

He warned that internal crises weaken public confidence in the political system and create uncertainty for party members and supporters.

“The implications of these squabbles are far-reaching. They create an environment of uncertainty for party members and supporters, erode public trust in the political system, and undermine the democratic process that we all hold dear,” he added.

Reaffirming INEC’s neutrality, Amupitan urged political parties to embrace dialogue, transparency and unity, stressing that strong internal leadership remains vital to democratic growth.

“We urge party leaders to prioritise constructive dialogue over divisive disputes, to foster unity within their ranks, and to focus on policy development and community engagement rather than internal strife,” he said.