RismadarVoice Reporters
February 5, 2026
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved the registration of two new political parties, the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), as part of its preparations for the 2027 General Election.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, announced the decision on Thursday in Abuja during the Commission’s first regular consultative meeting with political parties for 2026.
With the latest development, the number of registered political parties in Nigeria has risen from 18 to 20, following the last round of registrations ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Amupitan disclosed that the Commission received 171 letters of intent from associations seeking registration as political parties but said only a few met the constitutional and statutory requirements after a rigorous screening process.
“The Associations were assessed in line with Sections 222 and 223 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Sections 75 and 79 of the Electoral Act, 2022, as well as the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties,” he said.
According to him, only 14 Associations passed the initial prequalification stage, while eight successfully uploaded their documents for further evaluation. Of these, only two associations qualified for final assessment.
“After due consideration, only the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) was found to have fully complied with all legal requirements. Accordingly, the Commission has approved its registration with effect from today, February 5, 2026,” Amupitan announced.
He added that INEC also registered the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in compliance with a Federal High Court order delivered in Lokoja, Kogi State, in Suit No. FHC/LKJ/CS/49/2025.
“The Commission has decided to comply fully with the court order directing INEC to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress. Certificates of registration will be issued to both parties in due course,” he said.
