INEC Registers Two New Political Parties Ahead of 2027 Polls

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)—as part of efforts to widen political participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, announced the decision on Thursday in Abuja during the commission’s first consultative meeting with political party leaders since he assumed office. He said the approvals followed a rigorous assessment of applications submitted by various associations, in line with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC guidelines.
According to Amupitan, 171 associations submitted letters of intent, out of which 14 met the initial requirements. Eight advanced to the documentation stage, but only the Democratic Leadership Alliance fulfilled all legal and constitutional criteria for registration. He added that the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress was carried out in compliance with an order of the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State.
The INEC chairman urged political parties to strengthen internal democracy and avoid leadership disputes that often lead to litigation. He also called for increased voter mobilisation, especially as the ongoing Permanent Voter Card collection in the FCT ends on February 10, 2026, while warning against vote-buying, hate speech and electoral violence.
Meanwhile, Inter-Party Advisory Council Chairman, Dr. Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, welcomed the development, describing it as a boost for democratic growth. He encouraged parties to resolve disputes through IPAC mechanisms and urged the National Assembly to fast-track electoral reforms ahead of 2027.