The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a draft of its 2026 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, presented the draft during a consultative meeting with political party leaders in Abuja, explaining that the review was necessitated by the recently enacted Electoral Act 2026.
He noted that the commission had undertaken a comprehensive update of its regulations to ensure alignment with the new law and to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process.
According to Amupitan, the revised guidelines address critical areas such as party registration, mergers, internal administration, campaign conduct, and election financing.
He said the reforms are designed to improve transparency and accountability, particularly in the conduct of party primaries, which have often generated disputes and litigation.
The INEC chairman also emphasised the introduction of clearer rules governing campaign activities to ensure peaceful engagement and respect for citizens’ rights.
He added that the new framework sets standards for financial transparency in political activities and outlines conditions under which political parties may be deregistered.
In addition, the draft guidelines include measurable targets to enhance the participation of women, youths, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the political process.
Amupitan urged political parties to embrace the guidelines as tools for strengthening democracy rather than viewing them as limitations.
Meanwhile, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has expressed reservations about certain provisions in the Electoral Act 2026.
IPAC Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, called on the National Assembly to urgently review aspects of the law to prevent potential challenges ahead of the 2027 elections.
He criticised the mandatory adoption of direct primaries, arguing that political parties should retain the freedom to determine their own candidate selection processes.
Dantalle also described the requirement for political parties to submit membership registers with National Identification Numbers (NIN) within a short timeframe as unrealistic.
He warned that such a provision could exclude many Nigerians who lack access to registration facilities.
The council further advocated for the restoration of compulsory electronic transmission of election results and stronger sanctions against vote-buying.
IPAC also reiterated its call for the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission to enhance accountability and credibility in Nigeria’s electoral system.
