The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared a shift from passive supervision to a more assertive role in safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic process, as preparations intensify for the 2027 General Elections.
Speaking at a consultative meeting with political party leaders in Abuja on Tuesday, INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, stated that while the Commission remains a neutral umpire, it will no longer stand by as democratic values are undermined by political actors.
“We are no longer passive observers to the erosion of democratic values,” Amupitan said, urging stakeholders to work collectively toward a transparent and credible electoral system where “the rules are clear, the playing field is level, and the outcome is beyond reproach.”
The meeting focused on reviewing the draft INEC Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, 2026, a framework designed to reform internal party processes and strengthen electoral integrity ahead of the next general elections.
Amupitan emphasized that credible elections begin with transparent candidate selection processes, highlighting concerns over discrepancies between party constitutions and grassroots practices. He noted that the new guidelines aim to close this gap and curb the imposition of unpopular candidates—an issue he linked to voter apathy and increased electoral litigation.
The INEC chairman further warned that the Commission is committed to sanitising party primaries, ending what he described as an era of opaque procedures that undermine public trust in the electoral system.
The proposed regulations follow the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026, prompting a comprehensive realignment of existing electoral guidelines. According to Amupitan, the Commission must adapt to evolving realities, stressing that it cannot “navigate a 2027 horizon using a 2022 map.”
A key feature of the draft guidelines is compliance with Section 93(2) of the new Act, which mandates consultation between INEC and political parties on election expenses. The Commission also introduced stricter measures for financial accountability in both primaries and general elections.
In addition, the guidelines establish measurable benchmarks to enhance the participation of women, youth, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), while also streamlining processes for party registration, mergers, and deregistration.
Amupitan urged political parties to embrace the reforms as protective measures rather than constraints, noting that stronger rules are essential to safeguarding the sovereign will of the Nigerian electorate—from candidate nomination to the final declaration of results.
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