INEC Registers Two New Political Parties Ahead of 2027 Elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved the registration of two new political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, bringing the total number of registered political parties in Nigeria to 20.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, announced the development on Thursday in Abuja during the commission’s first regular consultative meeting with political parties for 2026.
According to Amupitan, the newly registered parties are the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). He explained that the approvals followed a rigorous evaluation process involving 171 political associations that applied for registration.
The INEC chairman disclosed that while only the Democratic Leadership Alliance met all the statutory requirements for registration, the Nigeria Democratic Congress was approved in compliance with a Federal High Court order.
In its founding principles, the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) said it would prioritise governance reforms, youth participation, and social development initiatives across the country. The party also pledged to promote transparency, grassroots mobilisation, and policies aimed at inclusive economic growth.
Similarly, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), whose registration followed a court directive, described itself as a centrist political platform committed to social justice, equitable distribution of resources, and the strengthening of democratic institutions. The party said it aims to provide an alternative platform for Nigerians dissatisfied with the existing major political parties.
With the latest approvals, the number of registered political parties in Nigeria has increased to 20.
The registered parties are:
- All Progressives Congress (APC)
- Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
- Accord (A)
- Social Democratic Party (SDP)
- Labour Party (LP)
- All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)
- Boot Party (BP)
- Action Democratic Party (ADP)
- African Action Congress (AAC)
- Action Alliance (AA)
- National Rescue Movement (NRM)
- Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)
- New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)
- Allied Peoples Movement (APM)
- Peoples Redemption Party (PRP)
- Action Peoples Party (APP)
- Young Progressives Party (YPP)
- Youth Party (YP)
- Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA)
- Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)
INEC said the registration exercise underscores its commitment to deepening democratic participation and providing Nigerians with wider political choices ahead of future elections.