The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled draft regulations to guide political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, in a move aimed at strengthening transparency and internal democracy.
INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, presented the 2026 Regulations and Guidelines during a consultative meeting with party leaders in Abuja, stating that the review was necessary to align party operations with the Electoral Act 2026.
Highlighting the urgency of the reforms, Amupitan said, “Nigeria cannot navigate a 2027 horizon using a 2022 map,” urging political parties to pay close attention to Clause 40(4) and (5), which addresses election expenses for primaries and campaigns.
He explained that the guidelines were subjected to a clause-by-clause realignment to ensure legal consistency and operational effectiveness. Drawing on data from the Political Party Performance Index developed with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, INEC identified gaps between party constitutions and grassroots realities.
The proposed framework covers key areas including party registration, mergers, administration and accountability.
It is also designed to promote transparent primaries, discourage the imposition of candidates, and reduce voter apathy as well as post-election litigation.
Amupitan added that the regulations introduce standards for peaceful campaigns, transparent financing and conditions for party deregistration, while also setting measurable benchmarks to enhance the participation of women, youth and persons with disabilities.
He urged stakeholders to view the draft as a safeguard for democracy rather than a constraint.
However, the National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Yusuf Dantalle, called for urgent amendments to the Electoral Act 2026, arguing that some provisions place undue pressure on political parties.
Dantalle criticised the mandatory direct primaries and the requirement for submission of membership registers with National Identification Numbers within a limited timeframe.
He also raised concerns over what he described as weakened penalties for vote buying and demanded the restoration of mandatory electronic transmission of results to INEC’s Results Viewing portal.
He further reiterated the council’s call for the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission to strengthen accountability, urging the National Assembly to revisit the law to ensure credible and transparent elections.
