By Mercy Peter
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has unveiled a comprehensive review of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, describing the move as a critical step toward strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking at a consultative meeting with leaders of political parties at INEC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, Amupitan said the revised guidelines are designed to align with the Electoral Act 2026 and address systemic challenges affecting party operations and electoral credibility.
The INEC chairman emphasized that credible elections begin long before polling day, stressing the importance of transparency in candidate selection processes.
He added that the updated framework was developed under constitutional provisions and in line with the new electoral law, insisting that “we cannot navigate a 2027 horizon using a 2022 map.”
Amupitan highlighted the tight electoral schedule facing stakeholders, revealing that presidential and National Assembly elections are slated for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state assembly polls will hold on February 6, 2027.
According to him, the shortened timelines introduced by the Electoral Act 2026 demand what he described as “surgical precision” in planning and execution by both INEC and political parties.
The revised guidelines cover critical aspects of political party administration, including registration and mergers, internal operations, primaries, campaign conduct, finances, and deregistration procedures.
Amupitan said the reforms aim to eliminate opaque practices in party primaries, which he identified as a major driver of voter apathy and post-election litigation.
The new framework also introduces clearer rules for campaign activities, ensuring that rallies and processions are conducted peacefully and with respect for citizens’ rights.
The INEC chairman referenced provisions in the Electoral Act 2026 empowering the Commission to determine election spending limits in consultation with political parties.
He urged party leaders to pay close attention to clauses dealing with election expenses, particularly those governing party primaries and campaign financing, noting that transparency in funding is essential for credible elections.
Amupitan disclosed that the review process was informed by empirical findings from the Political Party Performance Index (PPPI), a diagnostic tool developed with support from the Westminster Foundation for Democracy.
The index, he said, revealed a significant gap between party constitutions and grassroots realities, underscoring the need for reforms to bridge the disconnect.
INEC chairman announced that the revised guidelines incorporate measurable benchmarks for the participation of women, youth, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in party activities and electoral processes.
Amupitan urged political parties to view the new regulations not as constraints but as safeguards designed to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
He called on stakeholders to engage constructively during the consultation process, emphasizing that INEC remains committed to neutrality while taking a firm stance against the erosion of democratic values.
Reaffirming the Commission’s role as an impartial umpire, Amupitan stressed the need for collective responsibility in building a transparent and credible electoral system.
He said “We meet today not merely as regulators and political actors, but as joint custodians of Nigeria’s democratic future,” Amupitan said, noting that the Commission had undertaken a rigorous technical review of the 2022 regulations to reflect current legal and political realities.
“By sharpening 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.
“Together, let us build an electoral ecosystem where the rules are clear, the playing field is level, and the outcome is beyond reproach,” he said.
