BREAKING: INEC Adds 2 New Political Parties, Total Now 20

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially registered two new political parties, bringing the total number of recognised political parties in Nigeria to 20. The commission revealed that it received 171 letters of intent from associations seeking political party registration. Each application was reviewed in accordance with Sections 222 and 223 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Sections 75 and 79(1), (2), and (4) of the Electoral Act, 2022, and Clause 2 of the Commission’s 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties.

After an initial screening, 14 associations that satisfied the prequalification requirements were invited to submit further documentation via INEC’s portal, but only eight completed this stage. These included 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.

Following a detailed assessment of compliance with constitutional and legal requirements, only two associations qualified for final registration. INEC confirmed that the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) met all statutory criteria and has been formally registered as a political party effective February 5, 2025.

Additionally, the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, in Suit No. FHC/LKJ/CS/49/2025, ordered INEC to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). The commission has complied with the court directive, adding the NDC to the list of recognised parties. Certificates of registration for both parties will be issued in due course.

With these developments, Nigeria now has 20 officially registered political parties, a move INEC described as part of ongoing efforts to encourage democratic participation and strengthen political pluralism in the country.