The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expanded Nigeria’s political landscape with the registration of two new political parties—the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
The announcement was made on Thursday in Abuja by INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, during the commission’s first regular consultative meeting with political parties.
Amupitan explained that the approvals followed a rigorous and multi-stage screening process that began after INEC received 171 letters of intent from various associations seeking registration as political parties.
According to him, only 14 associations progressed beyond the initial pre-qualification stage, after which they were subjected to further documentation and compliance requirements.
“Out of the 14 associations, eight successfully uploaded their documents on the commission’s dedicated portal,” Amupitan said.
He listed the eight as 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 the Peoples Freedom Party (PFP).
“Out of these eight, only two associations qualified for the final stage of assessment and verification for compliance with the Constitution and the Electoral Act,” he added.
Following the final review, Amupitan disclosed that only one association fully met all statutory requirements.
“Accordingly, the commission has approved the registration of the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) as a political party,” he said.
He further clarified that the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) was carried out in compliance with a court order.
“The Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, in Suit No. FHC/LKJ/CS/49/2025 between Barrister Takori Mohammed Sanni and others versus INEC, ordered the commission to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party,” Amupitan stated.
“In obedience to the court’s directive, the commission has proceeded to register the NDC. Certificates of registration will be formally presented to the two new political parties in due course.”
The development brings the number of registered political parties in the country up, reinforcing INEC’s commitment to deepening democratic participation and upholding due process in party registration.
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