INEC Registers Two New Political Parties, Raises Total to 21

Nigeria’s political space has expanded again after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the registration of two new political parties, bringing the total number of registered parties in the country to 21.

The National Chairman of INEC, Prof. Joaish Amupitan, disclosed this during the commission’s first quarterly meeting with political party leaders. According to him, the two newly registered parties are the Democratic Leadership Alliance and the National Democratic Congress.

Prof. Amupitan explained that the Democratic Leadership Alliance earned its registration through the normal process, having met all the conditions required for political parties to be approved.

However, he said the National Democratic Congress is being registered for a different reason, not because it passed through the full requirement process, but because INEC is complying with a court decision.

He stated that the commission is registering the National Democratic Congress in obedience to the judgement of the Federal High Court in Lokoja.

What this means

With this development, Nigerians should expect more party options and more political participation, especially as the country gradually builds toward future elections. 

It also shows that INEC is sticking to its rules for party registration, while also respecting judicial rulings when courts issue binding decisions.