INEC Registers Two New Political Parties

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the registration of two new political parties — the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

With the addition of the two parties, the total number of registered political parties in Nigeria has increased to 21.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, made the announcement on Thursday during the commission’s first quarterly consultative meeting with political party stakeholders in 2026. The meeting was also the first official engagement with party leaders since he assumed office in October 2025.

Prof. Amupitan explained that the DLA was registered after completing a rigorous verification process, while the NDC gained registration in line with an order of the Federal High Court.

The meeting was attended by major political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, alongside the party’s National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, and National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu.

Also present was the Labour Party delegation led by Senator Nenadi Usman, accompanied by the party’s National Secretary, Senator Darlington Nwokocha.

During the session, Prof. Amupitan raised concerns over the increasing internal disputes in some political parties, but assured stakeholders that INEC remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.