The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially registered two new political parties, bringing Nigeria’s total number of recognized parties to 21. The announcement was made by INEC’s National Chairman, Prof. Joaish Amupitan, during the commission’s first quarterly meeting with political party leaders.
According to Prof. Amupitan, the newly registered parties are the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC). While the Democratic Leadership Alliance met all statutory requirements for registration, the commission noted that the National Democratic Congress was registered in compliance with a recent Federal High Court ruling in Lokoja.
“This registration reflects our commitment to upholding both the law and judicial directives,” Prof. Amupitan stated. He added that the DLA satisfied all conditions set by INEC for political party registration, including nationwide membership and internal democratic structures.
The move underscores Nigeria’s expanding political landscape, offering more options for citizens ahead of future elections. Analysts say the addition of these parties could reshape electoral dynamics, particularly if they manage to attract significant grassroots support.
With 21 recognized parties now, political observers expect INEC to continue its oversight role carefully, ensuring new entrants adhere to legal and regulatory frameworks while contributing to Nigeria’s democratic process.
