The
Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) has strongly criticised the 2026 regulations and guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing them as overregulated, impractical, and inadequate to guarantee credible elections in 2027.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the group said although the guidelines reflect some attempt at reform, they fall short of the structural changes needed to rebuild public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
The MCE expressed concern that the new rules could alienate grassroots voters and weaken smaller political parties, warning that such outcomes may deepen voter apathy and threaten Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.
While acknowledging INEC’s intention to improve transparency, particularly in the conduct of party primaries,
the group argued that the framework imposes excessive control over the internal affairs of political parties.
It noted that such regulatory overreach could undermine democratic principles, including freedom of association.
The group also faulted the requirement for political parties to submit detailed membership registers, including National Identification Numbers (NINs), within a limited timeframe. According to MCE, the provision is exclusionary, given that many Nigerians are yet to be captured in the national identity database.
It further raised concerns over INEC’s “compressed timetable,” warning that rushed processes could lead to errors, disputes, and litigation, thereby weakening the credibility of the electoral process.
The MCE also pointed to weak enforcement mechanisms in the guidelines, noting the lack of clarity on the prosecution of electoral offences. It reiterated its call for the establishment of an independent Electoral Offences Commission to address impunity.
Highlighting the growing concern over voter apathy, the group said Nigerians are increasingly disengaged due to a lack of confidence in the system. It argued that the current guidelines fail to provide a convincing pathway to reverse the trend.
To address the challenges, the MCE called on INEC to review the guidelines and adopt measures that would guarantee transparency, strengthen enforcement, and promote inclusiveness. These include mandatory electronic transmission of results, flexible compliance requirements, extended timelines, and improved voter education.
