The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expanded Nigeria’s political landscape with the approval of two additional political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, increasing the total number of registered parties in the country to 20.
The development was announced on Thursday in Abuja by INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, during the commission’s first regular consultative meeting with political parties for the 2026 political year.
According to Amupitan, the newly registered parties are the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). He explained that their approval followed a comprehensive screening exercise involving 171 political associations that applied for registration.
While only the Democratic Leadership Alliance successfully met all the constitutional and statutory requirements set by the commission, INEC was compelled to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress in compliance with an order issued by a Federal High Court.
In its foundational agenda, the DLA said it aims to drive governance reforms, encourage greater youth participation in politics, and advance social development initiatives nationwide. The party also pledged to promote transparency, strengthen grassroots engagement, and pursue policies that support inclusive economic growth.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress, which emerged following judicial intervention, described itself as a moderate political platform committed to social justice, fair distribution of national resources, and the reinforcement of democratic institutions. The party said it seeks to offer Nigerians a credible alternative to the country’s dominant political parties.
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With the addition of the two new entrants, Nigeria now has 20 officially registered political parties.
These include:
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)
The approvals mark a significant moment as preparations gradually begin for the 2027 elections, with INEC reaffirming its commitment to upholding due process and strengthening democratic participation in Nigeria.