The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved the registration of two new political parties out of 171 associations that applied, significantly narrowing the field ahead of future elections.
The newly registered party that met all legal and constitutional requirements is the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA). In addition, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) secured registration following a Federal High Court judgment delivered in Lokoja, Kogi State.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on February 5 in Abuja while briefing leaders of existing political parties. He explained that all applications were assessed under Sections 222 and 223 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), relevant provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties (2022).
According to him, 14 associations initially passed the prequalification stage and were invited to proceed further. Out of those, eight groups successfully uploaded their documents on INEC’s dedicated portal. These included 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 Peoples Freedom Party (PFP).
However, after final screening and verification, only two associations qualified for full assessment, and ultimately only the DLA was found to have fully complied with all statutory requirements.
“Accordingly, the Commission has decided to register the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) as a political party, effective from today,” Amupitan said.
The INEC chairman also confirmed that the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) would be registered in compliance with a court order issued in Suit No. FHC/LKJ/CS/49/2025, filed by Barrister Takori Mohammed Sanni and others.
INEC stated that certificates of registration would be presented to both parties in due course.
The development underscores the Commission’s strict enforcement of constitutional and electoral guidelines governing the formation of political parties in Nigeria.
