INEC Expands Political Landscape with Two New Party Registrations
The Independent National Electoral Commission has officially expanded Nigeria's political arena by registering two additional political parties in preparation for the 2027 general elections. This significant development was announced during the commission's first regular consultative meeting with political parties for 2026, held in Abuja on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
Rigorous Screening Process Leads to New Additions
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, confirmed that the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) have been approved as registered political entities. The commission conducted an extensive evaluation process, screening 171 associations that applied for registration, with only DLA meeting all statutory requirements through this standard procedure.
Professor Amupitan emphasized that the registration of NDC followed a specific Federal High Court directive, demonstrating the commission's compliance with judicial orders while maintaining its commitment to due process. This dual-path registration approach highlights INEC's adherence to both administrative protocols and legal mandates.
New Parties Outline Their Vision and Mission
The Democratic Leadership Alliance has articulated a comprehensive platform centered on governance reforms, enhanced youth participation, and social development initiatives across Nigeria. According to its founding principles, the party plans to prioritize transparency in government operations, grassroots mobilization strategies, and policies designed to foster inclusive economic growth that benefits all segments of society.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Democratic Congress positions itself as a centrist political alternative, emphasizing core values of social justice, equitable distribution of national resources, and strengthening democratic institutions. The party explicitly aims to provide a viable platform for Nigerians who feel dissatisfied with existing major political parties, offering what it describes as a fresh approach to national leadership.
Complete List of Registered Political Parties in Nigeria
With these latest registrations, Nigeria now boasts 21 officially recognized political parties. The comprehensive list includes:
- All Progressives Congress (APC)
- Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
- Accord (A)
- Social Democratic Party (SDP)
- Labour Party (LP)
- All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)
- African Democratic Congress (ADC)
- Boot Party (BP)
- Action Democratic Party (ADP)
- African Action Congress (AAC)
- Action Alliance (AA)
- National Rescue Movement (NRM)
- Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)
- New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)
- Allied Peoples Movement (APM)
- Peoples Redemption Party (PRP)
- Action Peoples Party (APP)
- Young Progressives Party (YPP)
- Youth Party (YP)
- Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) – newly registered
- Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) – newly registered
This expanded political landscape provides Nigerian voters with increased choices as the nation approaches another crucial electoral cycle. The registration of these new parties reflects ongoing democratic development within Nigeria's political system, potentially introducing fresh perspectives and policy alternatives to the national discourse.
The timing of these registrations allows the new parties approximately two years to establish their organizational structures, develop policy platforms, and engage with voters before the 2027 general elections. Political analysts anticipate that this expansion could influence campaign dynamics, coalition formations, and voter mobilization strategies across the country.
