INEC Reforms Party Registration, Campaign Finance Rules for 2027 Elections
INEC has issued new Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, 2026, imposing tighter rules on registration, financing, internal democracy, and campaign conduct before the upcoming elections....
INEC has issued new Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, 2026, imposing tighter rules on registration, financing, internal democracy, and campaign conduct before the upcoming elections.
The document integrates established frameworks into one comprehensive regulatory instrument, specifying detailed protocols for political party formation, operations, primaries, campaigns, and deregistration.
Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, the INEC chairman, stated that the revised guidelines aim to boost transparency and reinforce Nigeria’s electoral system.
“The consolidation of these Regulations and Guidelines into a single comprehensive document is intended to ensure that all stakeholders have clear and complete knowledge of the applicable processes.’’
He added that the framework reflects the Commission’s commitment to global best practices, noting that it aims to make election processes “simple, transparent, and clearly understood by all stakeholders”.
According to the new regulations, political associations applying for registration are required to fulfil more stringent requirements. These include demonstrating a national presence in no fewer than 24 states, as well as in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
It also states that they must demonstrate internal democratic structures and ensure that their leadership reflects Nigeria’s federal character principle.
The guidelines prohibit party names, symbols, or logos that suggest ethnic, religious, or sectional bias, or that could confuse voters.
INEC now requires a non-refundable administrative fee of ₦50 million for party registration applications, which must be submitted through its online portal. Applicants are required to submit all documentation within 21 days or risk automatic termination of their application.
The Commission has the authority to review all claims, which includes carrying out on-site inspections of party headquarters in Abuja before approving the application.
Digital Registers and Internal Accountability
Political parties are required to keep digital and paper membership lists with comprehensive personal details about their members, such as National Identification Numbers and polling unit information.
Failure to submit these registers within the stipulated timelines could disqualify parties from fielding candidates in elections.
Additionally, parties must conduct annual self-assessments and submit reports detailing their activities, internal dispute mechanisms, and plans by December 31 each year.
New Rules on Primaries and Candidate Selection
The guidelines reinforce INEC’s oversight of party primaries, requiring political parties to give at least 21 days’ notice before conducting primaries. Parties are also barred from imposing discriminatory conditions on aspirants.
“Political parties must not make rules or impose conditions that exclude aspirants based on sex, religion, ethnicity, wealth, physical disabilities, or circumstances of birth,” the document states.
Parties are allowed to use only two types of primaries—direct and consensus—and must specify their chosen method in their constitutions. It also prohibits individuals or entities from contributing more than ₦500 million to a political party or aspirant, unless the source of funds is disclosed to INEC.
All parties must file comprehensive campaign finance reports, including audited election expense details, no later than six months following an election.
Also, foreign donations are strictly regulated. Any funds received from outside Nigeria must be declared and transferred to INEC within 21 days or risk forfeiture.
The guidelines stipulate that political campaigns can only begin 150 days before election day and must end 24 hours before voting.
Political rallies and campaigns must avoid hate speech, violence, and the use of state resources for partisan advantage. Campaign events are not allowed in sensitive places, including religious sites, police stations, and government offices.
However, to maintain peace within parties, INEC has also established an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) platform to handle internal party disputes.
The guideline states that “The Commission hereby establishes an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Mechanism to resolve all internal disputes of political parties in Nigeria.
The Commission made it known that it retains the power to deregister political parties that fail to meet constitutional requirements or perform poorly in elections.
Any political party risks deregistration if they fail to win at least 25 per cent of the votes in presidential elections, secure legislative seats, or maintain proper organisational structures.
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