INEC Moves to Tighten Party Primaries, Campaign Spending Ahead of 2027 Polls

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a draft of revised regulations aimed at strengthening oversight of political party primaries and campaign financing ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

The proposals were presented on Tuesday during a consultative meeting with party leaders at the commission’s headquarters. INEC chairman Joash Amupitan said the changes are designed to curb opaque candidate selection processes and improve public confidence in elections.

According to him, irregularities in party primaries have contributed to declining voter participation and an increase in post-election legal disputes.

The draft regulations, titled the 2026 guidelines for political parties, update the 2022 framework and align with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026. They address key areas including party registration, mergers, internal administration, campaign activities, and criteria for deregistration.

INEC said the revised rules introduce clearer procedures for conducting primaries, stricter limits on campaign conduct, and enhanced requirements for financial transparency. The commission also cited provisions allowing it to set campaign spending limits in consultation with political parties.

Amupitan noted that the reforms come amid a shortened electoral timetable, with presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, followed by governorship and state assembly polls on February 6, 2027. He described the compressed timeline as requiring “precision” in planning and execution.

The draft also includes benchmarks to improve participation among women, youth, and persons with disabilities. INEC said these measures were informed by findings from its political party performance index, developed with support from the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, which highlighted gaps between party rules and grassroots practices.

INEC described the proposed regulations as protective rather than restrictive, emphasizing its role in safeguarding electoral integrity.

The commission is currently seeking feedback from political parties before finalising the guidelines that will govern political activities in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.