…Warn of democratic crisis
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled fresh electoral guidelines for the 2027 general elections, even as political parties under the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) rejected key provisions of the amended Electoral Act 2026, demanding urgent revisions.
At a high-level consultative meeting held yesterday in Abuja, INEC presented the new framework to party leaders, urging strict compliance with the Electoral Act 2026 to ensure credible polls. The session, chaired by INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, brought together top party officials, including representatives of the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
INEC outlined critical preparations ahead of the elections, including the commencement of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), with online pre-registration scheduled for August 18, 2025, followed by in-person registration from August 25, 2025. The Commission also plans a nationwide audit of the voter register to eliminate duplicate and deceased entries, alongside ongoing discussions on real-time electronic transmission of results to its IReV portal to enhance transparency.
The Commission said the guidelines were aligned with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and designed to strengthen the credibility, accountability, and legal framework of the 2027 elections, amid intensifying political activities and emerging coalition talks among opposition figures.
However, IPAC strongly opposed the amended law, describing it as “regressive” and capable of undermining the integrity of the electoral process. IPAC National Chairman, Dr. Yusuf Mamman Ɗantalle, warned that the Act could trigger a democratic crisis if not urgently reviewed by the National Assembly. The council argued that the legislation places excessive pressure on political parties, lacks inclusivity, and ignores inputs made by Nigerians during public consultations—factors it said have deepened distrust and voter apathy.
IPAC also criticised INEC’s election timetable, insisting it was built on a flawed legal foundation that disproportionately burdens opposition parties. Among its key demands are the restoration of indirect primaries as an option for candidate selection, removal of the requirement for submission of membership registers with National Identification Numbers (NIN) by April 2026, and the adoption of mandatory electronic transmission of election results without discretion.
The council further called for the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission and stricter penalties for electoral malpractice, while urging international partners to support efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy.
