The Independent National Electoral Commission has begun a three day technical workshop to review its 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties in line with the newly enacted Electoral Act 2026.
The workshop is holding in Ikot Ekpene from March 4 to March 6 and marks the commission’s first formal engagement to align its framework with the new law signed in February.
Resident Electoral Commissioner for Akwa Ibom State, Obo Effanga, said the retreat will help the commission better understand the provisions of the Act and update its guidelines to ensure transparency, fairness and efficiency.
National Commissioner and Chairman of the Election and Party Monitoring Committee, Baba Bila, said the review comes at a critical time.
He explained that the regulations guiding political parties were selected first because they govern party registration, compliance, administration and monitoring.
INEC Chairman Prof Amupitan expressed concern over rising leadership disputes within political parties, many of which end up in prolonged court cases.
He noted that the Electoral Act 2026 reinforces limits on judicial interference in internal party affairs and stressed the need for stronger internal dispute resolution mechanisms.
The Political Party Performance Index developed in collaboration with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy is also being integrated into the reform process.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, INEC says the revised guidelines will help promote a more transparent and predictable electoral process.
