BREAKING: INEC registers two new political parties

The Independent National Electoral Commission disclosed that it has approved the registration of two new political parties, the Democratic Leadership Alliance and the Nigeria Democratic Congress, as it intensifies preparations for the 2027 General Election.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, announced the decision in Abuja on Thursday at the commission’s first regular consultative meeting with political parties for 2026.

ValidViewNetwork reports that there are 18 registered political parties in the country following the last registrations before the 2023 general elections.

Giving a detailed narration of how the commission arrived at its decision, Amupitan said only DLA met all statutory requirements after a rigorous screening of a total of 171 associations that sought registration.

“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,” Amupitan said.

He added that of the 171, only 14 associations satisfied the initial prequalification and were subsequently invited to proceed to the next stage.

“Of these, eight 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 2026,” the INEC chairman announced.

He added that INEC would also comply with a Federal High Court order directing the registration of NDC.

“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 said.

The INEC boss, however, warned parties against internal leadership squabbles and excessive litigation.

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“These infightings create uncertainty, erode public trust and divert the commission from its primary mandate. We urge party leaders to prioritise constructive dialogue over divisive disputes and focus on policy development and community engagement rather than internal strife,” Amupitan said.

On voter participation, he called on parties to mobilise supporters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards before the February 10 deadline for the ongoing distribution in the FCT while he sternly warned political parties against vote buying.

“Vote-buying is a subversion of the democratic will and a violation of the law. Any individual or group found engaging in this practice will face the full weight of the law,” Amupitan warned.

Amupitan also disclosed that INEC has finalised the timetable for the 2027 elections in line with the Electoral Act, noting that a nationwide voter revalidation exercise will soon begin to clean up the register.

“A credible register of voters remains the bedrock of free, fair and transparent elections,” he said, adding that anomalies such as duplicate and non-citizen registrations undermine confidence in the process.

Looking ahead, he urged the National Assembly to fast-track amendments to the Electoral Act to ensure legal certainty well before the polls.

“INEC under my leadership will continue to be guided by the Constitution, the Electoral Act, our regulations and the practice directions of the courts. This is a collective responsibility, and each one of you plays a vital role in fostering democracy in Nigeria,” Amupitan said.

The Inter-Party Advisory Council in its remarks, called on INEC to remain firm, impartial and transparent as Nigeria heads toward the 2027 General Election, warning that the credibility of the process will once again be judged by the integrity of the electoral umpire.

IPAC National Chairman, Dr. Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, congratulated Amupitan, on his appointment as INEC Chairman and urged the Commission to provide a level playing field for all contestants.

“INEC bears a profound constitutional duty. The Commission must remain independent, neutral, fair, firm and decisive in conducting elections that are free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive,” Dantalle said.

He also addressed the recurring leadership crises in political parties, urging INEC to strictly follow party constitutions when recognising party executives.

“Such recognition confers legitimacy and determines the official leadership with which the Commission engages.

“Adhering to this principle will dispel perceptions of bias, complicity or interference in internal party affairs and reduce the litigations that have disrupted party activities and prevented some parties from fielding candidates,” Dantalle said.

He further advised party leaders to embrace IPAC’s internal dispute-resolution mechanisms rather than rushing to court. He recalled that the Supreme Court has consistently held that it lacks jurisdiction over internal party leadership disputes.

“This situation is detrimental to sustainable democracy and national development,” he added.

On electoral reforms, IPAC urged the National Assembly to fast-track the harmonisation of Nigeria’s electoral legal framework ahead of 2027 and to make real-time transmission of results to the IReV portal mandatory.

“Citizens expect an improved framework that restores trust and confidence in the democratic system, one in which every vote counts and the people’s mandate is respected.

“The sanctity of the ballot is the foundation of durable democracy, and we must defend it,”Dantalle said.

He pointed to the forthcoming FCT Area Council election as a test of public confidence in INEC.

“It remains the only council election conducted by the Commission that has consistently produced competitive outcomes,”

He noted, contrasting it with polls conducted by State Independent Electoral Commissions.

“IPAC therefore reiterates its position that SIECs be scrapped and INEC empowered to conduct all elections nationwide, given its institutional expertise and capacity,” Dantalle said.

He also advocated for the conduct of all elections on the same day to reduce costs and voter fatigue.

He said the FCT Area Council election, as well as the Ekiti and Osun governorship polls, would send a strong signal regarding expectations for the 2027 General Election.

He vowed that as the umbrella body of all registered political parties in Nigeria, IPAC will continue to collaborate with INEC and other stakeholders in deepening democracy and fostering political stability.