The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially registered two new political parties, the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The registration was announced on Thursday in Abuja by the INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, during the commission’s first regular consultative meeting with political parties for the year 2026.
According to INEC, the decision followed a long and detailed process that involved the assessment of 171 associations that had applied to be registered as political parties. Out of this number, only two eventually met the constitutional and legal requirements for registration.
Professor Amupitan explained that the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) was registered after it fully complied with all requirements set out in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act.
He said the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), on the other hand, was registered based on a court order.
According to him, a Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, in Suit No. FHC/LKJ/CS/49/2025, ordered INEC to register the NDC as a political party.
“The commission has decided to comply with the court order and register the Nigeria Democratic Congress as a political party,” Amupitan said.
He added that certificates of registration would be presented to both parties in due course.
INEC stated that the registration of DLA took effect from February 5, 2025.
The INEC chairman revealed that although 171 associations submitted letters of intent to be registered as political parties, 170 of them failed to meet the constitutional and legal standards.
He explained that the commission assessed the applications using Sections 222 and 223 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Sections 75 and 79 of the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC’s regulations and guidelines for political parties.
Amupitan said that after the initial review, only 14 associations passed the first stage and were invited to proceed further.
Out of the 14, only eight successfully uploaded the required documents on INEC’s online portal.
These included:
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)
Peoples Freedom Party (PFP)
After final assessment and verification, only the Democratic Leadership Alliance was found to have fully met all requirements.
In Nigeria, political associations seeking registration must meet strict conditions. These include having a national headquarters in Abuja, spread across states, a constitution that reflects democratic principles, and a leadership structure that follows the law.
INEC has often stressed that registration is not automatic and that many groups fail because they do not meet these conditions.
Over the years, the number of registered political parties has risen and fallen, especially after court rulings and deregistration exercises based on electoral performance.
The registration of new parties ahead of the 2027 elections is expected to increase political competition and offer voters more choices.
Beyond party registration, Professor Amupitan used the meeting to express serious concern over growing leadership crises within political parties across the country.
He said internal disputes, power struggles, and court cases among party leaders were affecting the integrity of the electoral process.
“The essence of democracy is rooted in the ability of political parties to grow, debate ideas, and compete in a peaceful and respectful manner,” he said.
However, he noted that frequent leadership battles had led to many court cases, some of which involve INEC as a party.
According to him, these cases drain public resources and distract the commission from its core responsibility of organising free, fair, and credible elections.
“These squabbles create uncertainty for party members, reduce public trust, and weaken our democracy,” Amupitan said.
He urged party leaders to settle disputes through dialogue and internal mechanisms rather than rushing to court.
The INEC chairman reminded political parties that strong internal leadership and transparency are important for democratic growth.
He advised parties to focus more on policy ideas, voter engagement, and national development instead of internal conflicts.
“As an independent body, INEC remains neutral,” he said. “But we must remind political parties that unity and clear leadership are essential for the health of our democracy.”
The National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Dr Yusuf Dantalle, also spoke at the meeting.
He said Nigerians have high expectations for a better and more stable democratic system and that INEC plays a major role in achieving this goal.
Dantalle stressed that INEC must remain independent, fair, and firm in carrying out its duties.
“As the electoral umpire, INEC’s integrity is tested every time Nigerians go to the polls,” he said.
He added that all political parties must be given equal treatment and a level playing field.
Dr Dantalle acknowledged that many political parties are facing leadership disputes and advised INEC to strictly follow party constitutions when recognising party leaders.
He said INEC’s recognition of party leadership, especially on its official website, gives legitimacy and determines who the commission deals with officially.
“If INEC follows party constitutions strictly, it will reduce claims of bias or interference,” he said.
He also warned that leadership disputes have prevented some parties from fielding candidates in past elections, weakening democracy and slowing national development.
The registration of DLA and NDC brings the total number of political parties in Nigeria slightly higher and adds new voices to the political space.
As preparations for 2027 continue, INEC has reiterated its commitment to credible elections, while urging political parties to play their roles responsibly.