The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially registered two new political parties, bringing the total number of registered parties in Nigeria to 20.
The new additions follow a rigorous vetting process. INEC received 171 letters of intent from associations seeking political party registration. These applications were assessed under Sections 222 and 223 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Sections 75 and 79 of the Electoral Act, 2022, and the Commission’s 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties.
After initial screening, 14 associations met prequalification requirements and were invited to the next stage. Eight of these successfully uploaded their documents to INEC’s portal, including:
- 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)
- Peoples Freedom Party (PFP)
Following detailed assessment and verification, only two parties met all constitutional and legal requirements for registration.
The first, the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), was officially registered by INEC effective February 5, 2025. The Commission confirmed that the party fully complied with all statutory requirements.
The second, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), was registered following a directive from the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, in Suit M FHC/LKJ/CS/49/2025. INEC complied with the court order, adding the NDC to the roster of recognized political parties. Certificates of registration will be handed over to both parties in due course.
“With these additions, Nigeria’s political landscape now welcomes two new parties, reflecting ongoing efforts to broaden democratic participation and political pluralism,” INEC stated.
The registration of DLA and NDC comes as Nigeria continues to strengthen its multiparty democracy, providing more avenues for political engagement and competition ahead of future elections.