The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rolled out new regulations governing election expenses for political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, promising a more transparent and accountable electoral process.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed this during a consultative meeting with party leaders in Abuja, stressing that the commission cannot conduct the 2027 elections using outdated 2022 guidelines.
Describing the reforms as critical, Amupitan said the new framework aligns with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and reflects a comprehensive overhaul aimed at strengthening credibility from candidate selection to final results.
“The process of credible elections begins long before polling day. It starts with transparent systems that produce candidates,” he said, urging political parties to see the guidelines as a shared responsibility in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy.
A major highlight of the new rules is the regulation of campaign financing and party expenses, in line with Section 93(2) of the Electoral Act 2026, which empowers INEC to determine spending limits in consultation with political parties.
Amupitan also emphasized a compressed election timetable, noting that presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state assembly polls will hold on February 6, 2027.
According to him, the tight schedule demands “surgical precision” from all stakeholders.
The revised guidelines also address party registration, mergers, internal administration, and primary elections, with a strong focus on eliminating opaque processes that often lead to disputes and voter apathy.
INEC further introduced stricter rules for political campaigns to ensure peaceful conduct and respect for citizens’ rights, alongside provisions promoting inclusion of women, youths, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
However, the reforms have sparked concern among political stakeholders. The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) warned that unresolved issues from the 2023 elections could resurface if urgent amendments are not made to the current electoral framework.
IPAC National Chairman, Mamman Dantalle, criticised the Electoral Act 2026 as a “regression,” arguing that it places excessive pressure on political parties and risks disenfranchising many Nigerians.
He called on the National Assembly to urgently amend the law, particularly provisions mandating direct primaries and the requirement for parties to submit membership registers with National Identification Numbers (NIN) within a limited timeframe.
“This provision is impractical and exclusionary,” Dantalle said, warning it could shut out millions of Nigerians without access to NIN registration.
The council also renewed calls for mandatory electronic transmission of election results via the IReV portal, stronger penalties for vote buying, and the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission to prosecute violators.
Dantalle stressed that public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system remains fragile, adding that failure to address these concerns would deepen voter apathy.
“The trust deficit will persist unless decisive reforms are implemented. The credibility of the 2027 elections depends on it,” he said.
Despite the concerns, INEC maintained that the new regulations are designed to enhance transparency, accountability, and fairness, urging political parties to engage constructively in refining the framework ahead of the polls.