By Kamsi Anayo
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has registered two new political parties.
The two new parties are the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), making it 21 registered political parties in the country.
Prof. Joash Amupitan, INEC Chairman made the disclosure at the commission’s quarterly consultative meeting with leaders of political parties on Thursday in Abuja.
He added that DLA was the only association out of the 171 associations seeking INEC registration as political parties, and that NDC was registered in obedience to a court order.
Amupitan recalled that INEC received a total of 171 letters of intent from associations seeking registration as political parties.
He said the associations were assessed in line with Sections 222 and 223 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (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.
He noted that 14 associations that satisfied the initial pre-qualification 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 the eight above, 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 complied fully with the requirements of the law.
“The commission decided to register the DLA as a political party, effective from today, Feb.5, 2025.
“Furthermore, the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi, in Suit No. FHC/LKJ/CS/49/2025 between Barr 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 is being registered as a political party. Certificate of Registration will be handed over to the two new political parties in due course,” he said.
Amupitan, however, expressed concerns over increasing internal crossing within political parties, urging party leaders to prioritise constructive dialogue over divisive disputes, to foster unity within their ranks.
Amupitan said that as an Independent body, INEC remained neutral but reminded all political parties that cohesive and transparent leadership remained essential for the health of our democracy.
“We urge party leaders to prioritise constructive dialogue over divisive disputes, to foster unity within their ranks, and to focus on policy development and community engagement rather than internal strife,” he said.
Credit: The NETWORK.
