The Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) has criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its 2026 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, describing the framework as overly restrictive, impractical, and inadequate for ensuring credible elections.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its National Secretariat Head, Olawale Okunniyi, the group said the guidelines fall short of the structural reforms required to restore public confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group acknowledged INEC’s efforts to improve transparency in party primaries but argued that the measures are excessively bureaucratic and fail to address core issues affecting electoral credibility.
According to MCE, the regulations amount to undue interference in the internal affairs of political parties, warning that such provisions could weaken internal democracy rather than strengthen it.
It also faulted compliance requirements, particularly the directive mandating the submission of party membership registers with National Identification Numbers within a limited timeframe, describing the move as exclusionary.
MCE further raised concerns about the commission’s admission of operating under tight timelines, warning that rushed processes could compromise electoral integrity.
The group identified the absence of clear provisions for real-time electronic transmission of results as a major shortcoming, stressing that transparency in result collation remains critical to credible elections.
It also pointed to weak enforcement mechanisms, cautioning that without accountability, the guidelines may fail to achieve their intended objectives. The group reiterated its call for the establishment of an independent Electoral Offences Commission to tackle violations effectively.
Linking the guidelines to increasing voter apathy, MCE warned that Nigerians may continue to disengage from the electoral process if confidence in the system is not restored.
The group urged INEC to urgently review the framework, calling for reforms that enhance transparency, strengthen enforcement, respect party autonomy, and rebuild public trust.
It added that failure to implement meaningful changes could further erode confidence in the country’s electoral system, stressing that trust must be earned through consistent and verifiable actions.
