On Tuesday in Abuja, the Independent National Electoral Commission presented a revised draft of its 2026 regulations and guidelines for political parties, inviting feedback from party leaders as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The announcement was made during a meeting between the commission and political party representatives, where INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan explained that the new rules were developed to align with the Electoral Act 2026 and improve areas where past guidelines fell short. He said the goal is to strengthen how parties operate and how candidates emerge before elections.
The updated framework covers several areas, including party registration, mergers, internal structure, conduct of primaries, campaign activities, funding, and conditions for deregistration. The commission said the changes are meant to reduce irregularities, especially during party primaries, and improve transparency in how candidates are selected.
INEC also noted that the review followed an assessment of earlier guidelines and findings from studies on party performance, which showed gaps between party rules and what happens at the grassroots level. As part of the new plan, the commission introduced measures to improve financial accountability and regulate campaign spending, based on powers given under the current electoral law.
With the 2027 elections already scheduled, the commission said it is working within a tight timeframe and needs cooperation from all stakeholders. Presidential and National Assembly elections are fixed for January 16, while governorship and state assembly elections will take place on February 6.
The draft also includes steps aimed at increasing the participation of women, young people, and persons with disabilities in the political process. INEC urged political parties to study the document carefully and contribute ideas that would help improve the final version.
In his response, the chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Yusuf Dantalle, raised concerns about some provisions in the Electoral Act 2026. He warned that unresolved issues could affect the conduct of the 2027 elections if not addressed quickly.
He pointed out that some requirements, such as mandatory direct primaries and the submission of detailed membership registers within a short period, may be difficult for parties to meet. He also called for the return of indirect primaries as an option and urged the National Assembly to review certain parts of the law.
Dantalle further asked for stronger steps against electoral offences and called for the creation of a body to handle such cases. He also supported the use of electronic transmission of results to improve trust in the electoral process.
The meeting ended with calls for cooperation among stakeholders, as both INEC and political parties work toward ensuring a smoother and more credible election in 2027.