…As IPAC picks holes in Electoral Act 2026, insists on indirect primaries
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged political parties to ensure a “surgical precision” process in the emergence of candidates.
Joash Amupitan, INEC chairman, made the call Tuesday at the consultative meeting with leaders of political parties on the review of INEC regulations and guidelines for political parties held at the commission’s conference room in Abuja.
Amupitan reminded political parties that Nigeria’s democratic future rested on their shoulders and on those of the commission.
Read also: 2027: INEC admit public trust deficit, seek media recalibration
He said: ” We meet today not merely as regulators and political actors, but as joint custodians of Nigeria’s democratic future. Early this month, the commission commenced a rigorous technical retreat to review and reconstruct the Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022. today, we share the result of that exercise with you. As I have often maintained, credible elections begin long before polling day; they begin in the transparency of the processes that produce the candidates.
“As you are all aware, these regulations have been formulated under the powers granted to INEC by our Constitution and the Electoral Act. They reflect a significant review of the 2022 Regulations, now aligned with the 2026 Electoral Act. We cannot navigate a 2027 horizon using a 2022 map.
“In particular, mention must be made of Section 93(2) of the Electoral Act 2026, which states that election expenses incurred by a political party for the management or the conduct of an election shall be determined by the commission in consultation with the political parties. Consequently, we would like the political parties to take special note of Clause 40(4) & (5) of the draft regulation dealing with election expenses of political parties for the management of party primaries and for the conduct of elections.”
He also said that the commission had concluded a clause-by-clause realignment of its regulations and guidelines to ensure they are not only legally airtight but operationally in sync with the new Act.
According to him, “We hope that these updated guidelines will foster a more transparent, fair, and equitable electoral landscape for all stakeholders involved.
“With the Presidential and National Assembly elections fixed for January 16, 2027 and the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections fixed for 6th February 2027, we are operating in a compressed timetable as a result of the reduction in the various timelines in the Electoral Act, 2026, which demands what I call surgical precision.
“We have streamlined the process to ensure that it is more accessible while maintaining a robust framework that upholds democratic principles.
Political Party Operations: Clear guidelines have been instituted to govern the day-to-day functioning of political parties, ensuring compliance with our laws and promoting accountability. This aims at sanitising party primaries, to end opaque processes that impose unpopular candidates, fueling voter apathy and a deluge of avoidable litigation.
On the conduct of Political Primaries, he said: “We recognise the critical role of primary elections in our political system. Thus, we have outlined procedures that uphold fairness and transparency within political parties.
Read also: INEC and its logistics challenges
Conduct of political rallies
“Regulations have been put in place to ensure that campaign activities are conducted peacefully and respect the rights and dignity of all citizens.
Finances and Election Expenses: We have established clear standards regarding the financing of political activities, emphasising the need for transparency and accountability in managing party funds and campaign expenses.
“Let us approach this consultation with the rigour our democracy deserves. INEC remains a neutral umpire, but we are no longer passive observers to the erosion of democratic values. Together, let us build an electoral ecosystem where the rules are clear, the playing field is level, and the outcome is beyond reproach.
“We value your insights and contributions. Let this meeting be a platform for open dialogue to address any concerns you may have. Together, we can work towards a robust electoral framework that enhances the integrity of our political processes and upholds the democratic ideals we all cherish,” he said.
Responding on behalf of leaders of political parties, Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, chairman of Inter-Parties Advisory Council (IPAC), faulted the Electoral Act 2026 amendment as it falls short of Nigerians expectations, and called for pre-amendment of the act before the general election by the National Assembly.
“As a key stakeholder in Nigeria’s democratic system, the IPAC is duty-bound to draw both national and international attention to evident shortcomings in the current electoral legal framework—(shortcomings) that have the potential to impede, weaken, and destabilise our hard-earned democracy.
“Nigerians participated actively in the public hearing on the Constitution and Electoral Act amendments, with the expectation that their contributions would culminate in a progressive, inclusive, and people-oriented Electoral Act. Unfortunately, the Electoral Act 2026 falls far short of these expectations. Rather than advancing our democratic journey, it represents a significant regression that must be urgently addressed in the national interest.
“It is particularly concerning that this contentious Electoral Act formed the basis upon which INEC released the timetable and schedule for the 2027 General Elections. This has inadvertently placed immense pressure on political parties, especially those outside government, thereby constraining their ability to effectively prepare and contribute to building a strong, inclusive, and stable democratic nation.”
Dantalle further said: “In this regard, IPAC firmly demands that the National Assembly, as a matter of urgency, revisits and amends the Electoral Act 2026. Specifically, the provision mandating direct primaries must be reconsidered, and the option of indirect primaries restored. The choice of candidate selection methods remains an internal affair of political parties and must not be subjected to undue legislative interference.”
He said that the requirement for political parties to submit their membership registers, including members’ National Identification Numbers (NIN) within the limited timeframe of 1st to 21st April 2026, was impractical and exclusionary. This provision risks disenfranchising a large segment of Nigerians who lack access to NIN registration facilities. In the spirit of inclusivity and participatory democracy, this requirement should be expunged.
“Equally important is the restoration of the electronic transmission of election results after collation at polling units. Transmission of results to the IREV should be mandatory immediately after results are announced at the polling unit, and no proviso is required. This is a fundamental demand of the Nigerian people and a critical safeguard for electoral transparency. The challenges experienced during the 2023 presidential election serve as a reminder of the risks associated with lapses in this area. Such occurrences must not be allowed to recur. The council reiterated at the recently concluded General Assembly.
“It is also deeply troubling that the new Electoral Act appears to weaken penalties for vote buying; an offence that continues to erode the credibility of our elections. IPAC reiterates its call for the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission to ensure that violators are held accountable. Stronger sanctions will serve as a deterrent and reinforce the sanctity of our democratic process.
Read also: Appeal Court backs Wike camp, voids 2025 PDP convention outcome, bars INEC recognition
“We have also taken steps by appealing to the National Assembly to urgently repeal the 2026 Electoral Act in the interest of credible and transparent electoral process. We are also calling on developmental partners to urgently deploy their diplomatic influences in the interest of a sustainable democracy in Nigeria.”
He further said that leadership in a democratic society must be anchored on integrity, credibility, and accountability, noting that it is imperative that “we collectively sanitise our political environment and uphold standards that inspire public trust. The prevailing trust deficit and voter apathy will persist unless decisive steps are taken to reform the current electoral framework.”
According to him, “The international community is closely observing Nigeria’s democratic trajectory, with high expectations for improved outcomes in the 2027 general election. We must rise to this responsibility.”
He promised that as the umbrella body of all registered political parties, IPAC would remain committed to its mandate of fostering political stability, promoting credible elections, and deepening democracy in Nigeria.
“We will continue to engage constructively in pursuit of a democratic system that guarantees fairness, inclusivity, and sustainable national development,” he said.
