INEC Chairman, Prof Amupitan
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced a comprehensive review of the 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties as part of efforts to strengthen transparency and integrity in Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, disclosed this in his keynote address at a technical workshop on the revision of INEC regulations and guidelines for political parties held in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.
Amupitan said the review became necessary following the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026, which introduced new provisions and reduced timelines for electoral activities.
According to him, the commission is moving beyond the 2022 framework to ensure that the operations of political parties are better regulated and aligned with the new law.
“The integrity and transparency of our electoral processes are paramount to fostering public trust and ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of political affiliation, has a voice in shaping our nation’s future,” he said.
He noted that the Electoral Act 2026, which received presidential assent in February, has significantly recalibrated the statutory timelines for electoral activities.
“The reduction in timelines creates a compressed operational environment that demands we work at unprecedented speed and with surgical precision. This workshop is not merely an administrative exercise; it is a legislative and operational realignment.
“We are here to harmonise our regulations and guidelines for political parties with the provisions of the 2026 Electoral Act,” he added.
Amupitan also expressed concern over the persistent crisis of internal democracy within political parties, stressing that credible and transparent primaries remain critical to producing acceptable candidates for elections.
He warned that imposing unpopular candidates through non-transparent processes often leads to voter apathy and an increase in pre-election litigations.
“The quality of internal party democracy has a direct bearing on the credibility of general elections conducted by INEC. If unpopular candidates are forced on the electorate, we face the twin challenges of voter apathy and a surge in pre-election disputes,” he said.
The INEC chairman urged political leaders to promote constructive dialogue and internal dispute resolution mechanisms within their parties, noting that cohesive leadership is essential for a healthy democratic process.
He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to remain an unbiased umpire that will provide a level playing field for all political parties.
Also speaking, the Country Director of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), Mr. Adebowale Olorunmola, said the Electoral Act 2026 introduced significant improvements aimed at meeting the expectations of Nigerians.
He noted that the review of INEC’s regulations and guidelines would help strengthen the implementation of the new law.
“The 2022 edition of the INEC regulations and guidelines served the country well during the 2023 general elections and subsequent polls. However, current realities have changed, and the framework must evolve accordingly,” he said.
Olorunmola expressed optimism that the review process would usher in a new era where political parties are defined by strong internal democracy and genuine commitment to the Nigerian people.
He also reaffirmed the commitment of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy to support initiatives aimed at improving Nigeria’s electoral system.
Earlier, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Akwa Ibom State, Mr Obo Effanga, said the new Electoral Act makes it imperative for INEC to review and update its operational guidelines for political parties in order to ensure effective implementation of the law.
