Key Points
- Parties criticize mandatory direct primaries.
- IPAC warns rules may harm credibility.
- INEC defends reforms for transparency.
Inter-Party Advisory Council has warned that new electoral guidelines could undermine trust in Nigeria’s democratic process, raising fresh INEC rules concerns ahead of the 2027 general elections. Party leaders said some provisions risk excluding stakeholders and weakening transparency.
The INEC rules concerns emerged during a consultative meeting in Abuja, where representatives of political parties reviewed draft regulations unveiled by Independent National Electoral Commission. While the commission framed the reforms as necessary, critics argued that key provisions may prove impractical.
Parties push back on provisions
IPAC national chairman Yusuf Dantalle said unresolved issues in the Electoral Act 2026 could jeopardize election credibility. He criticized mandatory direct primaries, noting that candidate selection should remain an internal party decision.
In addition, parties objected to requirements for submitting detailed membership registers, including national identification numbers, within tight deadlines. They described the measure as exclusionary, especially for smaller parties with limited administrative capacity.
Moreover, Dantalle called for mandatory electronic transmission of results to strengthen transparency. He also urged the establishment of an electoral offences commission to address malpractice and rebuild public confidence.
INEC defends reform agenda
INEC chairman Joash Amupitan maintained that the guidelines aim to improve electoral integrity. He said credible elections begin with transparent candidate selection and internal party processes.
According to him, the draft regulations followed a review of earlier frameworks and incorporated empirical findings. The new rules address areas such as party registration, campaign finance and primary elections, all designed to curb irregularities.
Meanwhile, Amupitan acknowledged the tight timeline before the 2027 polls, stressing the need for precision in implementation. He added that the reforms include benchmarks to increase participation among women, youth and persons with disabilities.
Despite INEC’s assurances, INEC rules concerns persist among political stakeholders. Observers say the final outcome will depend on whether regulators adjust contentious provisions. The debate highlights ongoing tension between reform efforts and political realities as Nigeria prepares for another electoral cycle.
