The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun reviewing its Regulations and Guidelines for political parties to align them with the Electoral Act 2026, describing the move as a decisive step toward strengthening electoral integrity ahead of the 2027 general elections. The reform process, led by INEC Chairman Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), is aimed at improving party oversight, boosting compliance, reducing pre-election disputes and enhancing public confidence in the electoral process.
INEC said the technical workshop on revising the 2022 framework brings together National Commissioners, directors, legal experts, election administrators and other institutional stakeholders for a clause-by-clause review. The Electoral Act 2026 introduces significant changes affecting party administration, candidate nomination, compliance obligations, dispute resolution and the commission’s regulatory powers, making early alignment necessary.
Beyond legal harmonisation, the commission is drawing lessons from past elections to address persistent challenges such as opaque party primaries, membership disputes, weak financial disclosures and exclusionary participation. INEC noted that these issues have contributed to avoidable litigation and electoral uncertainty, stressing that preventive regulation remains central to preparations for 2027.
To support evidence-based reforms, the commission is incorporating findings from its Political Party Performance Index (PPPI), a diagnostic tool designed to identify systemic weaknesses in party governance and compliance. The review will also develop stronger compliance mechanisms, clearer reporting obligations and measurable benchmarks to promote the inclusion of women, youth and Persons with Disabilities in party structures.
Technical support for aspects of the reform is being provided by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy alongside Nigerian legal and electoral experts. INEC said a consolidated draft of the Revised Regulations and Guidelines (2026 Edition) will undergo internal validation before consultations with the Inter-Party Advisory Council and registered political parties, reaffirming its commitment to continuous electoral reform and credible leadership selection.
