By Our Reporter
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has registered two new political parties, bringing the total number of registered political parties in the country to 21.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, made this known during the commission’s quarterly consultative meeting with leaders of political parties in Abuja, saying the two newly registered parties are the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Amupitan explained that the DLA was registered as the only association out of 171 applicants that successfully met INEC’s registration requirements, while the NDC was registered in compliance with a court order.
The INEC boss recalled that the commission received a total of 171 letters of intent from associations seeking registration as political parties, following which they 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.
According to him, 14 associations that satisfied the initial pre-qualification criteria were invited to proceed to the next stage, saying that eight of them successfully uploaded their documents on the commission’s dedicated portal.
"Consequently, 14 associations that satisfied the initial pre-qualification criteria were invited to proceed to the next stage. Of these, eight successfully uploaded their documents on the commission’s dedicated portal.
"They are the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), Citizens Democratic Alliance (CDA), Abundance Social Party (ASP), African Alliance Party (AAP), Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), Green Future Party (GFP), National Democratic Party (NDP) and the Peoples Freedom Party (PFP).
"Out of these eight, only two qualified for final assessment and verification of due compliance with the Constitution and the Electoral Act.
"After due consideration, only the Democratic Leadership Alliance was found to have fully complied with the requirements of the law.
“Accordingly, the commission decided to register the DLA as a political party, effective from today, February 5, 2025,' he said.
"Furthermore, the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, in Suit No. FHC/LKJ/CS/49/2025 between Barrister Takori Mohammed Sanni & Ors v. INEC, ordered the commission to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party.
“The commission has decided to comply with the order, and the party is accordingly being registered. Certificates of registration will be handed over to the two new political parties in due course,” he added.
Speaking further, the INEC boss, however, expressed concern over the growing trend of internal crises within political parties, urging party leaders to prioritise constructive dialogue over divisive disputes in order to foster unity.
Amupitan reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process, which he said was increasingly being undermined by frequent leadership squabbles within political parties.
This was just as he noted that the essence of democracy lies in the ability of political parties to thrive, debate and contest ideologies in a manner that upholds the principles of fair play and mutual respect.
"However, it is with great concern that I observe the rising trend of infighting among party leaderships, which not only detracts from the core objectives of these political organisations but also results in unnecessary legal battles that strain our judicial system and public resources.
"These litigations, in which the commission is often joined as a party, divert attention from our primary mandate of ensuring free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria.
"The implications of these disputes are far-reaching. They create uncertainty among party members and supporters, erode public confidence in the political system and undermine our democratic process.
"Each litigation consumes valuable time and resources and distracts from the critical task of mobilising voters and engaging the public on national issues," he said.
Amupitan, however, stressed that cohesive and transparent leadership within political parties remained essential to the health of Nigeria’s democracy, assuring that INEC remained an independent and neutral body.
"We urge party leaders to prioritise constructive dialogue over divisive disputes, foster unity within their ranks, and focus on policy development and community engagement rather than internal strife," he said.
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