INEC Releases Full List of Registered Political Parties in Nigeria

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the registration of two additional political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, bringing the total number of approved parties in Nigeria to 20.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed the development in Abuja in 2026 during the commission’s first regular consultative meeting with leaders of political parties. The announcement followed months of assessment of applications submitted by political associations seeking official recognition.

Ejes Gist News reports that the newly registered parties are the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). Their approval marks the first expansion of Nigeria’s political party register in several years.

Rigorous Registration Process

Amupitan explained that a total of 171 political associations applied for registration, but only two were able to scale through the stringent legal and administrative requirements.

According to him, the Democratic Leadership Alliance met all statutory conditions prescribed by the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines. The commission therefore granted it full registration after a comprehensive verification process.

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The Nigeria Democratic Congress, on the other hand, was approved following a directive from the Federal High Court. INEC said it complied with the court order after reviewing the party’s application in line with legal provisions.

INEC maintained that the approval process was transparent, objective, and consistent with constitutional requirements governing the registration of political parties.

Profiles of the New Parties

The Democratic Leadership Alliance outlined governance reforms, youth participation, and social development as core pillars of its political agenda. The party pledged to promote transparency in government and to pursue policies aimed at inclusive economic growth.

Its founders said the platform would focus on grassroots mobilisation and the expansion of democratic opportunities for young Nigerians and marginalised communities.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress described itself as a centrist political movement committed to social justice and equitable distribution of national resources. The party said it intends to strengthen democratic institutions and provide an alternative for voters dissatisfied with existing major parties.

Both parties are expected to begin nationwide mobilisation and membership drives as preparations intensify for future electoral contests.

Updated List of Registered Political Parties

With the inclusion of the two new parties, Nigeria’s officially recognised political organisations now stand at 20. The complete list of registered political parties in Nigeria is as follows:

1. All Progressives Congress (APC)
2. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
3. Accord (A)
4. Social Democratic Party (SDP)
5. Labour Party (LP)
6. All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)
7. Boot Party (BP)
8. Action Democratic Party (ADP)
9. African Action Congress (AAC)
10. Action Alliance (AA)
11. National Rescue Movement (NRM)
12. Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)
13. New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)
14. Allied Peoples Movement (APM)
15. Peoples Redemption Party (PRP)
16. Action Peoples Party (APP)
17. Young Progressives Party (YPP)
18. Youth Party (YP)
19. Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) – newly registered
20. Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) – newly registered

Implications for the Political Landscape

The expansion of the political party register is expected to broaden electoral choices for Nigerian voters. INEC officials said the presence of additional parties aligns with democratic principles of pluralism and political participation.

Political analysts note that the approval of new parties may intensify competition ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly at the federal and state levels.

INEC reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all registered parties operate in compliance with electoral laws, campaign finance regulations, and internal democracy standards.

The commission also urged political actors to focus on issue-based campaigns and constructive engagement as preparations for future elections continue.