The Independent National Electoral Commission has presented its draft 2026 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties to party leaders, seeking stakeholder input ahead of the 2027 general elections.
At a consultative meeting in Abuja, INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, said the engagement reflects a shared responsibility in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy.
“We meet today not merely as regulators and political actors, but as joint custodians of Nigeria’s democratic future,” he said, adding that the draft followed a technical review of the 2022 guidelines.
Amupitan said the new framework was developed in line with provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act 2026, noting that reforms are necessary ahead of the next elections.
“We cannot navigate a 2027 horizon using a 2022 map,” he said.
He urged political parties to examine key provisions, including those relating to election expenses and financial regulations, particularly clauses addressing party primaries and campaign conduct.
With presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for Jan. 16, 2027, and governorship and state assembly polls on Feb. 6, 2027, the INEC chairman said the commission is working within a tight timeline.
“The reduction in statutory timelines demands surgical precision in planning and execution,” he said.
The draft guidelines cover party registration, mergers, internal operations, primaries, campaign activities, political finance and deregistration procedures. It also introduces measures to boost participation of women, youths and persons with disabilities.
Responding, Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Yabagi Dantalle, commended INEC for the consultative approach.
“This process is essential for producing a workable regulatory framework that reflects operational realities,” he said.
Dantalle, however, called for flexibility in the conduct of party primaries, describing them as internal affairs of political parties. He also raised concerns over timelines for membership registration and urged the commission to ensure a balance between inclusivity and accountability.
He further stressed the need for transparency in result management, backing the use of technology while calling for clear provisions on electronic transmission of election results.
