By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has warned parties against internal leadership squabbles and excessive litigation.
Professor Amupitan stated this at the commission’s first regular consultative meeting with political parties for 2026, held in Abuja on Thursday, February 5.
He noted that such internal crises create uncertainty, erode public trust, and divert INEC’s attention from its primary mandate.
The INEC boss said: “These infightings create uncertainty, erode public trust, and divert the commission from its primary mandate.
“We urge party leaders to prioritise constructive dialogue over divisive disputes and focus on policy development and community engagement rather than internal strife.”
During the consultative meeting, Amupitan announced that INEC has approved the registration of two new political parties, the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), as part of preparations for the 2027 general election.
Amupitan disclosed that only DLA met all statutory requirements after a rigorous screening of 171 associations seeking registration as political parties.
“You will recall that the commission received a total of 171 letters of intent from associations seeking registration as political parties.
“The associations were assessed in line with Sections 222 and 223 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), Sections 75 and 79(1), (2) and (4) of the Electoral Act, 2022, as well as Clause 2 of the commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, 2022,” Amupitan said.
The INEC boss noted that of the 171, 14 associations satisfied the initial prequalification and were subsequently invited to proceed to the next stage.
He added, “Of these, eight successfully uploaded their documents on the commission’s dedicated portal. They are 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).
“Out of the eight above, only two qualified for final assessment and verification of due 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 2026.”
On the second new party, Amupitan added that INEC would also comply with a Federal High Court order directing the registration of NDC.
On voter participation, he called on parties to mobilise supporters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) before the February 10 deadline for the ongoing distribution in the FCT, while he sternly warned political parties against vote buying.
“Vote-buying is a subversion of the democratic will and a violation of the law. Any individual or group found engaging in this practice will face the full weight of the law,” Amupitan warned.
Amupitan also disclosed that INEC has finalised the timetable for the 2027 elections in line with the Electoral Act, noting that a nationwide voter revalidation exercise will soon begin to clean up the register.
The INEC boss also urged the National Assembly to fast-track amendments to the Electoral Act to ensure legal certainty well before the polls.
He said, “INEC under my leadership will continue to be guided by the Constitution, the Electoral Act, our regulations, and the practice directions of the courts. This is a collective responsibility, and each one of you plays a vital role in fostering democracy in Nigeria.”
