The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has registered two new political parties, bringing the total number of officially recognised political parties in Nigeria to 20.
The Commission disclosed that it received no fewer than 171 letters of intent from associations seeking registration as political parties. According to INEC, all applications were assessed in line with Sections 222 and 223 of the 1999 Constitution (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.
Following the initial screening, 14 associations met the prequalification requirements and were invited to proceed to the next stage of the process. Out of these, only eight successfully uploaded their required documents on INEC’s dedicated portal.
The eight associations are the All Democratic Alliance, Citizens Democratic Alliance, Abundance Social Party, African Alliance Party, Democratic Leadership Alliance, Green Future Party, National Democratic Party, and Peoples Freedom Party.
After what the Commission described as a thorough assessment and verification of compliance with constitutional and legal requirements, only two associations scaled the final hurdle.
INEC confirmed that the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) fully met all statutory requirements and has been officially registered as a political party with effect from February 5, 2025.
“Accordingly, the Commission has decided to register the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) as a political party, effective from today, 5th February 2025,” INEC stated.
In addition, the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, ordered INEC to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Suit No. FHC/LKJ/CS/49/2025. The Commission said it has complied with the court order and added the NDC to the list of recognised political parties.
INEC noted that certificates of registration will be presented to the two newly registered parties in due course.
With the registration of the Democratic Leadership Alliance and the Nigeria Democratic Congress, INEC said the country now has 20 officially registered political parties, reflecting ongoing efforts to promote democratic participation and political pluralism in Nigeria.
