The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced stricter regulations for political parties ahead of the 2026 primaries, vowing to enforce its guidelines rigorously to curb internal crises and ensure credible elections.
The commitment was declared by INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, during a technical workshop in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State. The event, organised in partnership with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, focuses on revising the commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties to align with the new Electoral Act 2026.
Professor Amupitan stated that the revised 2026 guidelines will introduce tougher benchmarks for membership documentation, financial transparency, and the inclusion of women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs). He expressed concern that political parties have become mired in leadership squabbles and infighting, often leading to voter apathy and unnecessary litigation. He emphasised that every day spent in court over intra-party disputes is a day diverted from essential election planning.
“Our collective commitment is being challenged by leadership squabbles and judicialised politics,” the Chairman said. “As an independent body, we remain neutral, but we are no longer passive observers.” He linked the quality of internal party democracy directly to the integrity of the elections INEC conducts, stressing the need for a level playing field during the primary window of April 23 to May 30, 2026. “We must ensure that the 2026 regulations are devoid of ambiguities,” he added. “Let us build a framework that protects the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.”
The Country Director of Westminster Foundation for Democracy, Adebowale Olorunmola, supported the review, noting that while the 2022 Regulations served the 2023 elections, current realities demand updates to bridge the gap between the Electoral Act 2026 and practical party operations.
Earlier, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Akwa Ibom, Obo Efanga, described the workshop as strategically timed to review the implications of the new Electoral Act on electoral activities.
The move aims to reduce avoidable post-primary litigation by ensuring parties adhere to their constitutions and the revised guidelines, thereby strengthening the overall electoral process for the 2026 general elections. INEC’s proactive stance signals a shift towards stricter oversight of party operations to safeguard the electoral timeline and public confidence.
