The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has signaled a major push to strengthen internal democracy and accountability within political parties as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 General Election.
At a three-day Technical Review Workshop that began on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, INEC officials laid out plans to revise the Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties to align with the newly enacted Electoral Act 2026. The exercise, supported by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, is aimed at promoting transparency in candidate nomination, internal financial reporting, and broader inclusivity within party structures.
Speaking at the opening session, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, described the review as a “critical institutional realignment” to ensure that political parties operate fairly and efficiently under the new legal framework. He emphasized that the quality of internal party democracy has a direct impact on voter confidence and the overall credibility of elections. Prof. Amupitan warned that candidates who emerge through opaque or undemocratic processes risk eroding public trust and creating legal disputes that disrupt the electoral timeline. He noted that the upcoming party primaries, scheduled between April 23 and May 30, 2026, would be closely monitored to prevent disputes that often consume INEC’s resources.
The revised guidelines will introduce stricter requirements for membership documentation, financial transparency, and the inclusion of women, youth, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). INEC will also reinforce compliance by leveraging provisions in Sections 83(5) and (6) of the Electoral Act 2026, which limit judicial interference in internal party matters.
Dr. Baba Bila, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Election and Party Monitoring Committee, described the initiative as strategic, noting that previous regulations required structural updates to reflect changes in the electoral law. He stressed that the reforms are designed to guide political parties toward being more accountable and democratically governed institutions.
In support of the exercise, Mr. Adebowale Olorunmola, Country Director of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, called on political parties to embrace inclusivity and internal democracy, warning that compliance with the revised framework is essential for credible elections.
The outcome of the review is expected to produce a more coherent and enforceable regulatory framework that safeguards the integrity of the 2027 elections while promoting fair and transparent party operations. Analysts say that INEC’s focus on accountability, inclusivity, and proper party governance could significantly reduce pre-election disputes and strengthen Nigeria’s democratic processes.
By Juliet Ezeh, Abuja
