Nigeria’s political landscape has expanded again as the Independent National Electoral Commission has approved the registration of two new political parties, a move that could reshape alliances ahead of future elections.
The Chairman of INEC, Joash Amupitan, announced the development on Thursday, February 5, during the commission’s first regular consultative meeting with political parties held in Abuja. He confirmed that the newly registered parties are the Democratic Leadership Alliance and the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
Amupitan disclosed that the approvals followed an extensive screening and verification process that began with 171 applications submitted by political associations seeking recognition. According to him, only 14 groups scaled the initial pre-qualification stage, while eight eventually uploaded their required documents on the commission’s official portal.
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The parties that reached this stage included the All Democratic Alliance, Citizens Democratic Alliance, Abundance Social Party, African Alliance Party, Democratic Leadership Alliance, Green Future Party, National Democratic Party and the Peoples Freedom Party.
After a final assessment to determine compliance with the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act, INEC found that only one group fully satisfied all statutory requirements. “The Democratic Leadership Alliance met every legal and constitutional condition and has therefore been approved for registration as a political party,” Amupitan said.
He further explained that the Nigeria Democratic Congress secured its registration through a judicial process. According to him, the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, in Suit No. FHC/LKJ/CS/49/2025 between Barrister Takori Mohammed Sanni and others against INEC, ordered the commission to register the party.
“The commission has resolved to comply fully with the court order and is currently finalising the registration process for the Nigeria Democratic Congress,” Amupitan stated, adding that certificates of registration would be issued to both parties in due course.
The development is expected to energise Nigeria’s multiparty democracy, with observers predicting renewed political realignments and increased competition as the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections.
