INEC rules could skew 2027 polls — Parties warn

Political parties have raised concerns over the Independent National Electoral Commission’s newly unveiled 2026 draft regulations for political parties, warning that certain provisions could undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

 

Speaking at a consultative meeting in Abuja, leaders, under the Inter-Party Advisory Council, criticised requirements such as mandatory direct primaries and strict submission of membership registers, describing them as impractical and exclusionary.

 

They urged INEC and the National Assembly to review the rules to safeguard transparency, inclusivity, and public confidence in the electoral process.

 

The concerns were raised after the INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, unveiled a revised draft of its 2026 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, seeking their input to strengthen the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

The IPAC National Chairman, Dr Yusuf Dantalle, raised concerns over provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, warning that unresolved issues could undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

 

“Critical issues, if not urgently addressed, could jeopardise the success of the 2027 General Election,” he said.

 

Dantalle described the law as falling short of public expectations, arguing that it represented a setback to Nigeria’s democratic progress.

 

“Rather than advancing our democratic journey, it represents a significant regression,” he stated,

 

He noted that Nigerians had anticipated a more inclusive and people-oriented framework as he criticised provisions he said placed undue pressure on political parties, particularly those outside the government, and called for a review of the mandatory direct primaries.

 

“The choice of candidate selection methods remains an internal affair of political parties,” he said, urging the National Assembly to restore indirect primaries as an option.

 

The IPAC chairman further described as impractical and exclusionary, the requirement for parties to submit membership registers, including National Identification Numbers, within a limited timeframe.

 

He also called for mandatory electronic transmission of election results, warning against a repeat of past lapses.

 

“This is a fundamental demand of the Nigerian people,” he added.

 

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Dantalle emphasised the need for stronger measures against electoral malpractice, including the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission, while urging stakeholders to rebuild public trust in the system.