Nigeria’s political parties hits 21, as INEC registers 2 new ones

• Meets parties’ leaders ahead FCT Area Councils’ Poll

By Lateef Ibrahim Abuja.

The number of political parties in the country has increased to twenty-one (21) with the registration of two additional ones on Thursday by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

The two newly registered parties are the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

The Chairman of INEC, Prof Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) announced the registration of the new political parties in Thursday during the regular consultative meeting between the commission and the leadership of the registered political parties at its headquarters in Abuja.

Amupitan explained that the decision followed a comprehensive review of applications submitted by associations seeking registration, in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, and INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties.

He assured that certificates of registration will be issued to the new parties in due course.

In the words of Amupitan, “You will recall that the Commission received a total of 171 letters of intent from associations seeking registration as political parties.

“The associations were assessed in line with Sections 222 and 223 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), Sections 75 and 79(1), (2) and (4) of the Electoral Act, 2022, as well as Clause 2 of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, 2022. “Consequently, 14 associations that satisfied the initial prequalification were invited to proceed to the next stage.

“Of these, 8 successfully uploaded their documents on the Commission’s dedicated portal.

“They are 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 the eight above, only two qualified for final assessment and verification of due compliance with the Constitution and the Electoral Act.

“After due consideration, only the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) was found to have complied fully with the requirements of the law.

“Accordingly, the Commission has decided to register the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) as a political party, effective from today, 5th February 2025.

“Furthermore, the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, in Suit No. FHC/LKJ/CS/49/2025 between Barr Takori Mohammed Sanni & Ors v. INEC ordered the Commission to register Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party.

“The Commission has decided to comply with the order and is being registered as a political party.

“Certificate of Registration will be handed over to the two new political parties in due course”, he stated.

Amupitan assured that INEC, under his leadership, will continue to be guided by the provisions of the electoral legal framework comprising of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act, the commission’s regulations and guidelines and practice direction from the Courts.

“As we look towards the 2027 General Elections, it is imperative that we remain vigilant and proactive. We must prepare for a seamless electoral process that embodies the ideals of democracy, justice, and inclusivity.

This is a collective responsibility, and each one of you plays a vital role in fostering democracy in Nigeria.