BY: RALIAT ADENEKAN

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the registration of two new political parties, even as it warned that persistent leadership crises and litigations within parties could force a review of the continued registration of some of them.

The INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash O. Amupitan, who made this known today (Thursday) at the Commission’s Consultative Meeting with Leaders of Political Parties held at its headquarters in Abuja, revealed that the newly registered parties were the Democratic Leadership Alliance and the National Democratic Congress, following a thorough assessment of applications submitted to the Commission.

However, the INEC chairman raised concerns over the rising wave of leadership disputes and litigations within political parties, describing the trend as a threat to internal democracy and the electoral process.

Amupitan also reacted to the passage of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill by the Senate, describing it as a positive step while calling for the speedy conclusion of the legislative process.

He disclosed that INEC had concluded work on the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Election in line with existing laws, but was monitoring developments around the proposed amendments, including plans to reduce the notice period for elections from 360 to 180 days.

In his remarks, National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Yusuf Mamman Dantalle urged the commission to remain strictly neutral and guided by the constitutions of political parties in handling leadership disputes, warning that failure to do so could fuel litigations and undermine democratic stability.