Inter-party Advisory Council (IPAC) has rejected key provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, warning that the law could undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections if not urgently amended.
But Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, assured that the commission would continue to be neutral in the inter-party competition for power, while remaining active in its regulatory role.
This was as the National chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, declared that the rising level of maladministration and mismanagement across all sectors of the economy has given rise to Nigerians’ burning desire to opt for a credible platform ahead of next year’s general elections.
IPAC’s position came as INEC submitted the recently reviewed draft Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2026 to stakeholders for their input.
The new regulations and guidelines for political parties were aimed at aligning them with the amended electoral framework.
Speaking at a consultative meeting organised by INEC for leaders of political parties in Abuja yesterday, IPAC National Chairman, Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, described the Electoral Act 2026 as a significant departure from public expectation, despite widespread participation by Nigerians during the amendment process.
He argued that, rather than strengthening the democratic process, the Act introduces provisions that could weaken electoral integrity and limit inclusivity.
Dantalle particularly faulted the mandatory adoption of direct primaries by political parties, insisting that the mode of candidate selection should remain an internal affair of parties, not subject to legislative imposition.
He criticised the requirement that political parties submit their membership registers, including National Identification Numbers (NINs), within a narrow window between April 1 and 21, 2026.
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According to him, the provision is impractical and risks excluding millions of Nigerians who lack access to NIN registration, thereby undermining participatory democracy.
Amupitan stressed that INEC would not stand by and watch the breach of extant rules.
Speaking during the consultative meeting with chairmen of political parties,Amupitan disclosed that the 2022 regulations that moderate the electoral processes at the party level had been thoroughly reviewed and would serve as the working document for the 2027 poll.
While urging party leaders to study the draft guidelines, the INEC chairman explained that the stakeholder consultation was necessary to create an electoral framework that reflects Nigerians’ aspirations.
He contended that INEC could not navigate a 2027 horizon using a 2022 map, even as he noted that reform was necessary to improve the credibility of the country’s electoral system.
The INEC boss revealed that earlier in March, the electoral body conducted a technical review exercise, noting that the process was followed by a clause-by-clause realignment of the regulations to ensure they were legally and operationally consistent with the 2026 Electoral Act.
MARK, while receiving the report of the ADC committee on the review of the party’s constitution, maintained that the party’s constitution is not just a document but the soul of collective aspirations of the ADC and preparedness to offer good and people-oriented leadership.
According to the former Senate president, the event marks an important milestone in the life of the party, adding: “I receive, on behalf of the leadership and entire membership of our great party, the report of the Constitution Review Committee with a deep sense of appreciation and responsibility.
“Let me begin by commending the chairman and members of the committee for the diligence, sacrifice and patriotism they have demonstrated in the discharge of this critical national assignment. Constitutional review is never a routine exercise; it is a painstaking process that requires wisdom, inclusiveness and foresight. From all indications, you have risen to the occasion.”
Represented by the National Legal Adviser of ADC, Prof. OserheimenOsunbor (SAN), Mark said the task of reviewing the ADC constitution must reflect the realities of the time, the expectations of members and the urgent need to strengthen internal democracy, transparency and accountability.
