Parties Warns INEC Over New Rules
Political parties in Abuja have voiced concern over INEC’s 2026 draft regulations for political parties, warning they could affect the fairness of the 2027 general elections.
Leaders under the Inter-Party Advisory Council said rules like mandatory direct primaries and strict membership submissions are impractical and risk excluding voters and smaller parties.
They called on INEC and the National Assembly to review the rules to protect transparency and public trust.
IPAC National Chairman, Dr Yusuf Dantalle, said unresolved issues in the Electoral Act 2026 could harm the credibility of the next elections.
He described the law as a setback for democracy, arguing that it pressures parties, particularly opposition groups.
He urged that indirect primaries remain an option and criticised strict deadlines for submitting membership registers, including National Identification Numbers.
Dantalle also stressed the need for electronic transmission of results and stronger measures against electoral malpractice.
He called for an Electoral Offences Commission and urged stakeholders to restore public confidence, noting that international observers would closely watch the 2027 polls.
INEC Chairman Prof Joash Amupitan said credible elections start long before voting day, with transparent candidate selection being key.
He explained that the 2026 guidelines aim to curb irregularities in primaries, improve party operations, and enhance participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
He urged parties to see the rules as safeguards, not restrictions, as the commission prepares for the January 16 presidential and National Assembly elections and February 6 governorship polls.
