ABUJA — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially registered two new political parties in Nigeria, bringing the total number of recognized political parties in the country to 21, the Commission announced on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
The development was disclosed by INEC National Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), during the first quarterly consultative meeting with leaders of registered political parties held at the INEC headquarters in Abuja.
The two newly registered organizations are the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Addressing chairmen and secretaries of existing and newly registered parties, Prof. Amupitan explained that the registrations followed distinct pathways due to differing circumstances.
“The Democratic Leadership Alliance successfully met and satisfied all the rigorous statutory requirements and conditions stipulated under the Electoral Act 2022 and the Commission’s guidelines for the formation and registration of political parties,” the INEC chairman stated.
He emphasized that the DLA underwent the full administrative vetting process, including verification of membership spread across at least 24 states and the Federal Capital Territory, submission of a valid constitution, party manifesto, audited accounts, and other mandatory documentation.
In contrast, the registration of the National Democratic Congress was executed in direct compliance with a binding court order.
“The registration of the National Democratic Congress is being carried out in strict obedience to a judicial pronouncement of the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja,” Prof. Amupitan clarified. “While we would have preferred to follow our normal administrative process, we are bound by law to give effect to the court’s directive.”
The chairman did not provide further details on the specifics of the court judgment but confirmed that INEC had no option but to register the NDC to avoid contempt of court.
Prof. Amupitan assured representatives of both new parties that formal certificates of registration would be presented to them in a brief ceremony to be held shortly at the Commission’s headquarters. The certificates will confer full legal status, enabling the parties to participate in future elections, including the 2027 general elections.
The addition of the DLA and NDC marks the first new registrations since the last batch of parties was added several years ago. It reflects both the Commission’s adherence to legal and administrative standards and its obligation to respect judicial decisions.
INEC has in recent years tightened requirements for party registration to reduce the proliferation of non-viable parties, insisting on verifiable national presence, internal democracy, and financial transparency. The successful registration of the Democratic Leadership Alliance demonstrates that the Commission continues to approve applications that meet these high thresholds.
The consultative meeting also provided an opportunity for INEC to brief party leaders on ongoing preparations for the 2027 general elections, including voter registration exercises, the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), the continuous update of the voters’ register, and plans for greater stakeholder engagement.
Party leaders welcomed the new registrations, with some describing them as a healthy development for Nigeria’s multi-party democracy, while others expressed hope that the new entrants would contribute meaningfully to political competition and issue-based campaigns.
The increase to 21 registered parties comes at a time when discussions about electoral reform, party funding, and the need to strengthen internal party democracy remain prominent on the national agenda.
INEC reiterated its commitment to transparency, impartiality, and the conduct of credible, free, and fair elections in 2027 and beyond.
The Commission urged the new parties to immediately begin fulfilling their obligations under the Electoral Act, including the submission of annual financial returns, conduct of democratic conventions, and compliance with all regulatory guidelines.
As Nigeria edges closer to the 2027 general elections, the registration of the Democratic Leadership Alliance and the National Democratic Congress is expected to reshape the political landscape, offering voters additional choices and potentially influencing alliances, coalitions, and campaign strategies in the coming months and years.
