Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State — March 5, 2026

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced a three-day technical workshop in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, to review its 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties in line with the newly enacted Electoral Act 2026.

The workshop, which runs from March 4 to March 6, 2026, marks the Commission’s first formal engagement aimed at harmonising its regulatory framework with the provisions of the new electoral law signed in February 2026.

In his welcome remarks, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Akwa Ibom State, Obo Effanga, described the retreat as an opportunity for the Commission to deepen its understanding of the new Electoral Act and update existing guidelines to enhance transparency, fairness, and administrative efficiency in Nigeria’s electoral system.

Effanga noted that while Nigeria’s electoral process has witnessed gradual improvements over the years, continuous reforms remain essential to sustaining voter confidence and strengthening democratic institutions.

Also speaking at the event, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Election and Party Monitoring Committee, Baba Bila, said the review of the 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties comes at a critical time.

According to him, the workshop represents the Commission’s first structured effort to examine the implications of the Electoral Act 2026 on its regulations guiding political party activities and other electoral processes.

He explained that the decision to begin with the review of the Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022 was deliberate, noting that the document governs key aspects of party operations, including registration, statutory compliance, administration, and the monitoring of political activities.

A major highlight of the reform process is the planned integration of the Political Party Performance Index (PPPI), developed through collaboration between INEC and the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD).

Country Director of WFD Nigeria, Adebowale Olorunmola, noted that while the 2022 Regulations played an important role during the 2023 general elections, evolving political and institutional realities now require updated operational frameworks.

He emphasized that political parties must evolve beyond being mere platforms for contesting elections and instead function as credible democratic institutions that uphold internal democracy, inclusivity, accountability, and legal compliance.

Olorunmola also commended the leadership of Prof. Amupitan and reaffirmed WFD’s commitment to supporting reforms that strengthen party governance and align political operations with the expectations of the Nigerian electorate.