The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has registered two new political parties, the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), ahead of the 2027 general elections, INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan announced in Abuja on Thursday.
The decision was disclosed during the commission’s first regular consultative meeting with political party leaders for 2026 in the Federal Capital Territory.
INEC said it received 171 letters of intent from associations seeking recognition as political parties. These applications were screened under Sections 222 and 223 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Sections 75 and 79 of the Electoral Act 2022, and the commission’s regulations before some advanced to the final assessment stage.
INEC explained that 14 associations met the initial prequalification requirements. Of these, eight successfully uploaded required documents for further evaluation.
The eight included the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), Citizens Democratic Alliance (CDA), Abundance Social Party (ASP), African Alliance Party (AAP), Green Future Party (GFP), National Democratic Party (NDP) and Peoples Freedom Party (PFP), alongside DLA.
According to INEC, only two associations qualified for the final assessment and verification of compliance with constitutional and legal requirements.
Following due consideration, the Democratic Leadership Alliance was deemed to have fully complied with all statutory conditions and was duly registered.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress was registered in compliance with a Federal High Court order in Lokoja, Kogi State, in Suit No. FHC/LKJ/CS/49/2025 between Barr Takori Mohammed Sanni and others versus INEC.
The commission said it would issue certificates of registration to both parties in due course.
INEC noted that with the addition of DLA and NDC, the total number of political parties in Nigeria now stands at 21.
INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan said: “After due consideration, only the Democratic Leadership Alliance 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 2026.”
On the Nigeria Democratic Congress registration he stated: “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 the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party. The Commission has decided to comply with the order and it is being registered as a political party.”
The registration of two new political parties expands political representation options as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections. It reflects INEC’s ongoing role in managing political party recognition and the legal processes governing party registration.
The development also occurs amidst INEC’s preparations for upcoming elections, including the FCT Area Council polls scheduled for February 21, 2026, and future governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States.
