The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has registered two new political parties, increasing the total number of recognised political parties in Nigeria to 20.

The commission disclosed that it received no fewer than 171 letters of intent from political associations seeking registration.

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INEC said the applications were evaluated 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 its Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties.

Following an initial screening, 14 associations met the prequalification requirements and were invited to proceed to the next stage of the process. However, only eight successfully uploaded the required documents on INEC’s dedicated portal.

The eight associations include 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.

Only Two Scale Final Hurdle

After what INEC described as a “thorough assessment and verification of compliance with constitutional and legal requirements,” only two associations qualified for final approval.

INEC confirmed that the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) met all statutory conditions and has been officially registered as a political party, effective February 5, 2026.

“Accordingly, the Commission has decided to register the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) as a political party, effective from today,” the commission stated.

In addition, the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, in Suit No. FHC/LKJ/CS/49/2025, ordered INEC to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

The commission said it had complied with the court directive and added the NDC to the list of recognised political parties.

“The Commission has decided to comply with the order and the party is being registered. Certificates of registration will be handed over to the two new political parties in due course,” INEC added.

With the registration of the DLA and the NDC, Nigeria now has 20 officially registered political parties — a move the commission said reflects its commitment to deepening democratic participation and strengthening political pluralism in the country.