The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has started a major review of its rules for political parties as part of preparations for the 2027 general election.
In a statement, the commission said it has launched a “comprehensive review of its Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties” to align them with the newly enacted Electoral Act 2026.
INEC said the move is aimed at “strengthening Nigeria’s electoral integrity well ahead of the next national polls.”
The review is being led by INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, and includes national commissioners, directors, legal experts and election administrators.
According to the commission, the technical team is carrying out a “clause-by-clause assessment of the 2022 regulatory framework” to ensure “full legal compliance with the Electoral Act 2026” and improve clarity in party operations.
INEC explained that the new Electoral Act introduces reforms affecting “candidate nomination, party administration, compliance obligations, and dispute resolution.”
It said aligning its regulations early will help “prevent legal ambiguities and reduce pre-election disputes.”
The commission also identified recurring problems from past elections, including “opaque party primaries, internal membership disputes, weak financial disclosure practices, and limited inclusion of women, youth, and persons with disabilities.”
To address these, INEC said it will introduce “clearer compliance standards and measurable benchmarks.”
It is also using findings from its Political Party Performance Index to guide reforms.
A draft of the Revised Regulations and Guidelines (2026 Edition) will be validated internally before consultations with political parties.
