By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially registered two new political parties, expanding the landscape of political participation in Nigeria.

According to the Commission, it received 171 letters of intent from associations seeking registration as political parties.

These associations were assessed in accordance 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, and Clause 2 of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, 2022.

Following initial screening, 14 associations that met prequalification requirements were invited to the next stage, of which eight successfully uploaded their documents on INEC’s dedicated portal.

These 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 Peoples Freedom Party (PFP).

After thorough assessment and verification of compliance with constitutional and legal requirements, only two parties qualified for final approval.

The Commission determined that the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) fully satisfied all requirements of the law and has been officially registered as a political party effective February 5, 2025.

“Accordingly, the Commission has decided to register the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) as a politic party, effective from today, 5th February 2025,” INEC said.

In addition, the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, in Suit M FHC/LKJ/CS/49/2025, directed INEC to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). The Commission has complied with the court order, adding the NDC to the list of officially recognized political parties. Certificates of registration will be handed over to both parties in due course.

“Furthermore, the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, in Suit M FHC/LKJ/CS/49/2025 between Barr Takori Mohammed Sanni & Ors v. IM ordered the Commission to register Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) a political party,” it said.

“The Commission has decided to comply with the order an being registered as a political party. Certificate of Registration will be hand over to the two new political parties in due course.”

With these additions, Nigeria’s political landscape now welcomes two new parties, signaling continued efforts to broaden democratic participation and political pluralism in the country.

With the announcement, Nigeria officially now has 20 registered political parties.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has launched a scathing critique of the 10th Senate, alleging that the chamber’s decision to reject key electoral amendments is a calculated move by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to “manipulate future elections” and “cling to power by all means.”

The condemnation follows Wednesday’s Senate session, where provisions aimed at overhauling Nigeria’s electoral framework were voted down. According to the ADC, the move represents a severe setback for the credibility of the nation’s democracy.

In a strongly-worded statement, the opposition party highlighted the rejected provisions, which they claim were essential for transparency. These included
electronic transmission of election results, touted as a critical safeguard against tampering and manipulation.

Second of them is electronic download of voter cards. A measure intended to streamline voter access and INEC logistics.

And thirdly, reduced timelines. Proposals to shorten the notice period for elections and cut the publication of candidates’ list from 150 to 60 days.

The ADC argued that the Senate’s actions were not mere legislative disagreements but a deliberate “tampering with the laws to expand opportunities for rigging.” The party asserted that the APC, “mortally afraid of subjecting themselves to a free and fair election,” has exploited its majority to “mutilate” the nation’s electoral laws and “foist logistical nightmares on INEC.”

“The net sum of this disgraceful action is that the APC has laid the ground for all manner of malpractice,” the statement read, connecting the legislative moves to what it described as “the unprecedented suffering” under the current administration.

Labeling the Senate’s decision a “retrogressive” act, the ADC called on “all well-meaning Nigerians” to hold the ruling party accountable for actions it says “weaken democracy and erode public trust.”

The party issued a direct appeal to the National Assembly’s Conference Committee on the Electoral Act, urging it to reject the Senate’s version and pass amendments that “truly reflect the will and aspirations of the Nigerian people.”

This development sets the stage for a major political confrontation as the electoral amendment bill moves to the next stage of legislative reconciliation, with opposition forces rallying against what they perceive as a direct threat to electoral integrity.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State are reeling from a brutal terrorist attack that occurred on Wednesday, leaving at least 75 people dead, several injured, and an unknown number abducted, including the family of a traditional ruler.

Eyewitness accounts described the  coordinated assault by gunmen on motorcycles, who surrounded Woro village shortly after 5:00 p.m. and opened fire indiscriminately to prevent escape.

Mr. Ali Umar, brother to the village head of Woro, provided a harrowing account. “They shot sporadically from all angles. Those who tried to run were gunned down. Others who surrendered were herded to the palace, tied up, and executed,” he stated.

Among the missing are the wife of the traditional ruler, Hauwa Umar, his mother, and three of his children. The attack has triggered a mass exodus, leaving the community nearly deserted. “The people were scared… What we need now is increased security presence to restore confidence,” Umar pleaded, adding that prior intelligence about a potential attack had been communicated to authorities.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who visited the area on Wednesday night with service chiefs, confirmed the death toll. He stated the victims were local Muslims killed for refusing to subscribe to an extremist doctrine. The governor condemned the attack as a “cowardly expression of frustration” by terrorist cells facing pressure from ongoing counterterrorism operations.

In response, Governor AbdulRazaq announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate deployment of an Army battalion to the area. The new security initiative, codenamed ‘Operation Savannah Shield,’ aims to prosecute counter-offensives and secure the border region. The injured have been evacuated to the General Hospital in Kaiama, with severe cases referred to the Teaching Hospital.

The Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Mr. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, also condemned the killings. In a statement, he called for an immediate escalation of military operations along the Niger State border to flush out criminal elements. He urged communities to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies, warning that increased military pressure might cause destabilizing elements to seek new areas of operation.

The government and legislature have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of residents in the state.