INEC Registers Two New Political Parties in Nigeria
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially registered two new political parties, marking a significant development in Nigeria's democratic process. The announcement was made by the chairman of the electoral body, Joash Amupitan, during the commission's first regular consultative meeting with political parties held in Abuja on Thursday, February 5.
Rigorous Assessment Process for Party Registration
Amupitan revealed that the registration followed an extensive and rigorous assessment process. The commission initially received 171 letters of intent from various associations seeking recognition as political parties. Out of these, only 14 associations managed to pass the initial pre-qualification stage, demonstrating the strict standards maintained by INEC.
From the 14 pre-qualified associations, eight successfully uploaded their required documents on the commission's dedicated 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)
Final Assessment and Compliance Verification
Amupitan explained that only two of the eight associations qualified for the final assessment phase, which involved thorough verification of compliance with Nigeria's constitution and the Electoral Act. After this comprehensive review, only the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) successfully met all legal requirements.
"Accordingly, the commission has decided to register the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) as a political party," the chairman stated during the meeting.
Court-Ordered Registration of Second Party
Amupitan further disclosed that the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) would also be registered following a court order directing the commission to do so. The Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, issued this directive in suit No. FHC/LKJ/CS/49/2025 between Barr Takori Mohammed Sanni & Ors v. INEC.
"The commission has decided to comply with the order and it is being registered as a political party," Amupitan confirmed. He added that certificates of registration would be handed over to both new political parties in due course.
This development expands Nigeria's political landscape and demonstrates INEC's commitment to following both its established procedures and judicial directives in the registration of political entities.
