The African Centre for Justice and Human Rights (ACJHR) has commended the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, for registering two new political parties, describing the development as evidence of the Commission’s commitment to inclusive democracy and credible elections.

INEC recently expanded Nigeria’s political landscape with the registration of the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), bringing the total number of registered political parties in the country to 21.

Reacting in a press statement signed by Comrade Abubakar Musa, ACJHR said the registration of new parties demonstrated INEC’s readiness to conduct elections that are “transparent, fair, and reflective of the will of the people”.

The organisation noted that the move would strengthen Nigeria’s democratic space by expanding political participation, deepening pluralism, and offering citizens broader political choices ahead of future elections.

According to ACJHR, Prof. Amupitan’s leadership has continued to inspire public confidence in the electoral process, particularly at a time when democratic institutions must be strengthened to withstand undue pressure and misinformation.

“By allowing qualified political associations to evolve into fully registered parties, INEC has reaffirmed its constitutional responsibility to promote inclusiveness and equal opportunity in Nigeria’s political system,” the statement said.

ACJHR also called on political stakeholders, civil society organisations and Nigerians to support INEC’s ongoing reforms and resist attempts to undermine the Commission or discredit its leadership. The group reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote credible elections and good governance in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Prof. Amupitan disclosed details of the registration process on Thursday during INEC’s first regular consultative meeting with political parties this year.

He explained that while the Commission vetted and approved the Democratic Leadership Alliance as a political party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress was registered in compliance with a court order.

“The Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, 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,” he said.

Providing further insight into the process, Prof. Amupitan said INEC received 171 requests from associations seeking registration as political parties last year. Of these, 157 were disqualified at the first stage of scrutiny, leaving 14 associations.

He said only eight of the 14 successfully uploaded their documents on INEC’s dedicated portal. They were 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).

According to him, only two associations qualified for final assessment and verification of compliance with the Constitution and the Electoral Act.

“After due consideration, only the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) was found to have complied fully with the requirements of the law. Accordingly, the Commission has decided to register the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) as a political party, effective from today, 5th February 2025,” he said.

He added: “Furthermore, the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, 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.”

With the latest additions, Nigeria now has 21 registered political parties. They include Accord (A), Action Alliance (AA), African Action Congress (AAC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Democratic Party (ADP), All Progressives Congress (APC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Peoples Party (APP), Boot Party (BP), Labour Party (LP), National Rescue Movement (NRM), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), People’s Redemption Party (PRP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Young Progressive Party (YPP), Youth Party (YP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).