INEC Reviews Political Party Guidelines Ahead of 2027 Elections as IPAC Flags Electoral Act Concerns

Jane Salihu

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled a revised set of regulations and guidelines for political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability and internal democracy in Nigeria’s political system.

Speaking at a consultative meeting with leaders of political parties in Abuja on Tuesday, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, said the updated Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2026 were designed to align the Commission’s procedures with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.

Amupitan said the review followed a technical retreat by the Commission to ensure that the electoral framework reflects current legal realities and adequately prepares stakeholders for the 2027 polls.

“We cannot navigate a 2027 horizon using a 2022 map,” the INEC chairman said, noting that the revised guidelines would strengthen transparency in party processes.

He explained that the new regulations provide clearer provisions on political party registration and mergers, internal party operations, campaign activities and the conduct of primaries, while also tightening rules on party finances and election expenses.

The INEC chairman stressed that credible elections begin with transparent candidate selection processes, warning that opaque primaries often produce unpopular candidates and contribute to voter apathy and election-related litigation.
Amupitan also disclosed that the 2027 election timetable had been compressed due to new timelines in the Electoral Act, with presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state assembly polls will hold on February 6, 2027.

He added that the revised framework includes measurable benchmarks to improve the participation of women, youths and persons with disabilities in the political process.

However, the National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Dr. Yusuf Dantalle, raised concerns over aspects of the Electoral Act 2026, warning that some provisions could hinder preparations for the 2027 elections if not reviewed.

Dantalle called for the reconsideration of mandatory direct primaries, the restoration of electronic transmission of election results and the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission, as stakeholders agreed to continue consultations on the draft regulations before their final adoption.