The Independent National Electoral Commission has approved the registration of two new political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, announced the decision on Thursday in Abuja at the commission’s first regular consultative meeting with political parties for 2026.

Amupitan said the commission has approved the Democratic Leadership Alliance and the Nigeria Democratic Congress as political parties.

He said only DLA met all statutory requirements after a rigorous screening of a total of 171 associations that sought registration, while the commission would also comply with a Federal High Court order directing the registration of NDC.

According to the new party, it seeks to promote governance reforms, youth participation, and social development initiatives across the country.

According to its founding principles, the party plans to focus on transparency, grassroots mobilisation, and policies aimed at inclusive economic growth.

The NDC, approved following a Federal High Court directive, positions itself as a centrist party with emphasis on social justice, equitable resource distribution, and strengthening democratic institutions.

The party aims to provide an alternative platform for Nigerians dissatisfied with the existing major parties.

Following the latest registrations by INEC, PUNCH Online reports that the number of registered political parties in the country has risen to 21.

According to a post on the INEC website, below is the full list of registered political parties in Nigeria.

All Progressives Congress (APC)

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

Accord (A)

Social Democratic Party (SDP)

Labour Party (LP)

All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)

African Democratic Congress (ADC)

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) – newly registered

Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) – newly registered (PUNCH)

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