By Palang Paul
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday 24th March presented its draft “Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, 2026” to party leaders, declaring that the nation’s democratic framework must evolve to meet the challenges of the upcoming electoral cycle.
The consultative meeting held in Abuja the federal capital territory brought together the commission and political parties under a shared mandate, with INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan describing the gathering as a convergence of the “joint custodians of Nigeria’s democratic future.”
In a pointed remark underscoring the urgency of the reform, Prof. Amupitan dismissed the notion of relying on outdated frameworks. “We cannot navigate a 2027 horizon using a 2022 map,” he stated, emphasizing that the foundation for credible elections is laid long before polling day.
The draft document, developed following a rigorous technical retreat by the commission, represents a comprehensive overhaul of the 2022 guidelines. It aligns with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026, and seeks to establish a clear regulatory roadmap for party operations ahead of a tightly compressed electoral calendar.
With the Presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, and Governorship and State Assembly elections set for February 6, 2027, the INEC chairman stressed that the reduction in statutory timelines demands what he called “surgical precision” in planning and execution.
A Focus on Finance and Inclusivity
Prof. Amupitan specifically directed party leaders to examine Clauses 40(4) and 40(5) of the draft, which address financial regulations concerning party primaries and election conduct. This focus comes as the commission seeks to enforce stricter controls on election expenses, a mandate derived from Section 93(2) of the Electoral Act, 2026.
Beyond financial regulations, the new framework covers critical areas such as party registration, mergers, internal democratic processes, campaign activities, and deregistration procedures. Notably, the draft introduces measurable benchmarks aimed at enhancing the participation of women, youth, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the electoral process—a move widely seen as a bid to institutionalize inclusivity.
IPAC Seeks Flexibility and Technological Clarity
In his response, the National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Dr. Dantalle, commended the commission for initiating the consultative process, calling it “essential” for creating a workable framework that reflects operational realities.
However, he flagged several areas where political parties seek greater flexibility. Chief among these is the conduct of party primaries, which he described as an “internal affair” that the regulations should accommodate without undue rigidity. He also raised practical concerns regarding the timelines for compiling comprehensive membership registers, urging the commission to balance inclusivity with accountability.
Dr. Dantalle further reiterated IPAC’s longstanding demand for the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission. While expressing support for technological innovations introduced by INEC, he called for “clear and unambiguous provisions” on the electronic transmission of results to ensure transparency and prevent disputes.
A Stronger Framework Through Consultation
Concluding the session, Prof. Amupitan assured stakeholders that their submissions would be carefully reviewed before the document is finalized. He described the robust contributions from party leaders as invaluable.
“This is precisely why we convened this meeting,” he said. “Your insights and experiences are invaluable in shaping a regulatory framework that works for all stakeholders. The INEC Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties will be stronger for having undergone this rigorous consultative process.”
The commission is now expected to integrate the feedback into the final version of the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, 2026, which is scheduled to be officially released ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
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