By Ayo Ayodele
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved the registration of two new political parties—the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)—ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, announced the decision on Thursday in Abuja during the commission’s first consultative meeting with political parties in 2026.
Amupitan explained that the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress followed a Federal High Court judgment delivered in Lokoja, Kogi State, which ordered INEC to register the party.
He disclosed that the commission received 171 letters of intent from political associations seeking registration. However, 170 of them failed to meet constitutional and legal requirements as stipulated in the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC’s regulations.
According to him, 14 associations initially met the pre-qualification criteria, while only eight successfully uploaded the required documents for further assessment. After final verification, only the Democratic Leadership Alliance fully complied with all statutory conditions and was approved for registration.
Amupitan said certificates of registration would be issued to both parties in due course.
The INEC chairman also raised concerns over persistent leadership disputes within political parties, noting that frequent internal crises and litigations distract the commission from its core responsibility of conducting credible elections and undermine public confidence in the democratic process.
He urged political parties to embrace internal cohesion, dialogue, and respect for due process in order to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
Speaking at the meeting, National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Dr. Yusuf Dantalle, called on INEC to remain neutral and consistent in recognising party leadership based strictly on party constitutions. He warned that failure to do so fuels internal conflicts and excessive litigation that weaken democratic institutions.