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

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has proposed stricter regulations to guide political party primaries and campaign financing as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The electoral body unveiled a draft of the revised rules during a consultative meeting with party leaders held at its headquarters on Tuesday. INEC said the move is aimed at addressing concerns over lack of transparency in party primaries and the rising cost of election campaigns.

Speaking at the meeting, INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, noted that the proposed guidelines are designed to curb what he described as “opaque” primary processes and unregulated campaign spending.

He explained that the commission is determined to eliminate the imposition of candidates by party leaders, a practice that has often generated internal disputes and undermined democratic principles within political parties.

According to him, the reforms are also intended to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system by ensuring fairness, accountability, and greater transparency in the selection of candidates.

INEC urged political parties and other stakeholders to review the draft and provide constructive feedback, stressing that broad-based input would help strengthen the final regulations ahead of the 2027 elections.

The initiative is part of ongoing efforts by the commission to improve electoral integrity and deepen democratic practices across the country.