The Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) has raised serious concerns over the 2026 electoral guidelines released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), warning that the framework could undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
In a strongly worded statement issued Wednesday, the group described the regulations as overbearing, impractical, and insufficient to rebuild public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system.
MCE acknowledged that INEC’s guidelines show some effort toward reform, particularly in enhancing transparency during party primaries. However, it argued that the rules impose excessive control on political parties, potentially violating democratic principles such as freedom of association.
A major point of contention is the requirement for political parties to submit detailed membership registers, including National Identification Numbers (NINs), within a limited timeframe. According to the group, this condition is inherently exclusionary, given that millions of Nigerians remain outside the national identity database.
The group warned that such provisions could disproportionately affect grassroots participants and smaller political parties, further weakening Nigeria’s multi-party system.
MCE also criticised what it described as a “compressed timetable” for electoral processes, cautioning that rushed timelines could lead to administrative errors, disputes, and increased litigation.
On transparency, the organisation expressed alarm over the absence of clear provisions mandating electronic transmission of election results, a key demand by stakeholders seeking to improve credibility and reduce manipulation.
The group further pointed to weak enforcement mechanisms in the guidelines, particularly the lack of clarity around prosecuting electoral offences. It reiterated calls for the establishment of an independent Electoral Offences Commission to address impunity.
MCE linked these gaps to growing voter apathy, noting that many Nigerians are increasingly disengaged due to declining confidence in the electoral system.
To avert further erosion of trust ahead of 2027, the group urged INEC to urgently review the guidelines. Recommended measures include:
- Mandatory electronic transmission of results
- More flexible compliance requirements
- Extended timelines for electoral processes
- Enhanced voter education initiatives
The group warned that without meaningful reforms, Nigeria risks deepening electoral distrust and weakening democratic participation in the next general elections.
