The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has registered two new political parties—the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)—ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, announced the registration at a consultative meeting with political parties on Thursday, bringing the total number of registered parties to 21.
While expanding the political landscape, Amupitan expressed strong frustration over persistent leadership crises within parties, describing them as a threat to the constitution. He questioned the rationale for continuous registration if parties remain entangled in internal squabbles and litigation that distract the Commission.
The Chairman also revealed a “sobering trend” of declining voter turnout in presidential elections, noting participation fell from 53.7% in 2011 to a record low of 26.7% in 2023. “Technology alone cannot solve voter apathy,” he stated, urging parties to help rebuild citizens’ trust.
INEC confirmed preparations for upcoming elections in the FCT, Ekiti, and Osun States, and announced a nationwide voter revalidation exercise to sanitize the register of 93.4 million voters.
In response, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) urged INEC to remain neutral and advocated for scrapping State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs).
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Disclaimer: This report is based on official statements from INEC’s consultative meeting. The political environment remains dynamic.
