INEC, Political Parties Meet Over Review Of Party Regulations Ahead Of 2027 Elections
•By Admin
ABUJA —- THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday held a consultative meeting with leaders of political parties in Abuja to discuss the ongoing review of its draft Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The meeting, convened under the platform of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), focused on proposed reforms aimed at strengthening internal party processes, enhancing transparency, and improving the overall electoral framework.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), said the review of the 2022 Regulations had become necessary to align with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and reflect evolving realities in Nigeria’s democratic process.
He clarified that the document under consideration remains in draft form and has not yet been officially released, noting that the engagement with political parties is part of a broader consultative process.
“We are not merely regulators and political actors, but joint custodians of Nigeria’s democratic future,” Amupitan said. “Credible elections begin long before polling day; they begin with the transparency of the processes that produce candidates.”
He explained that the proposed regulations are designed to promote fairness, accountability, and inclusiveness in party administration, particularly in areas such as party primaries, campaign conduct, political financing, and conditions for deregistration.
The INEC chairman added that the Commission is also considering measurable benchmarks to enhance the participation of women, youths, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the political process.
Amupitan further highlighted the tight timeline for the 2027 general elections, with presidential and National Assembly polls scheduled for January 16, 2027, and governorship and state assembly elections slated for February 6, 2027.
According to him, the compressed timetable requires what he described as “surgical precision” in planning and execution.
While urging political parties to provide constructive input, he emphasised that the proposed regulations are intended as safeguards to strengthen the electoral process rather than impose restrictions.
“By refining these rules, we are protecting the sovereign will of the Nigerian people from the point of nomination to the final declaration of results,” he said.
However, political parties, under the aegis of IPAC, raised concerns over certain provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, describing aspects of the law as potentially detrimental to Nigeria’s democratic progress.
In his remarks, IPAC National Chairman, Dr. Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, called on the National Assembly to review contentious provisions, particularly the mandatory adoption of direct primaries.
“The choice of candidate selection methods remains an internal affair of political parties and must not be subjected to undue legislative interference,” he said.
Dantalle also criticised the requirement for political parties to submit membership registers, including members’ National Identification Numbers (NIN), within a limited timeframe, describing it as impractical and potentially exclusionary.
He warned that such provisions could disenfranchise citizens who lack access to NIN registration facilities.
IPAC further advocated the restoration of mandatory electronic transmission of election results, stressing its importance in ensuring transparency.
He also reiterated the call for the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission to strengthen accountability and curb electoral malpractice.
Despite the concerns raised, both INEC and political party leaders reaffirmed their commitment to continued dialogue and collaboration.
The consultative meeting forms part of INEC’s ongoing stakeholder engagement ahead of the eventual release of the 2026 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties.
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