The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially registered two new political parties the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) bringing the total number of registered political parties in Nigeria to 21.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, announced the development on Wednesday, February 5, 2026, during the commission’s quarterly consultative meeting with leaders of political parties in Abuja.
According to him, the Democratic Leadership Alliance successfully met all constitutional and statutory requirements stipulated for party registration, while the Nigeria Democratic Congress was registered in compliance with an order of the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State.
Prof. Amupitan disclosed that no fewer than 171 political associations initially applied for registration, but only two made it through the rigorous screening process to the final stage, underscoring INEC’s commitment to upholding legal and constitutional standards.
He used the occasion to caution political parties against persistent internal crises and the growing culture of excessive litigation, warning that unresolved disputes within parties pose a serious threat to the credibility and stability of Nigeria’s electoral process.
The INEC chairman stressed that political parties remain critical stakeholders in the democratic system and must therefore put their internal houses in order, particularly as the country prepares for future elections.
He reaffirmed the commission’s resolve to remain impartial and firm in enforcing electoral laws, while urging party leaders to embrace dialogue, internal democracy and respect for due process in resolving conflicts.
The registration of the two new parties further expands Nigeria’s political space, reflecting the commission’s openness to pluralism, provided constitutional requirements are strictly observed.
