Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately publish its newly released 2026 Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, describing the initiative as essential to strengthening transparency, legal certainty, and stakeholder preparedness ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, the organisation commended INEC for developing and releasing the regulations to the public but expressed concern that the absence of an officially gazetted version leaves the legal and operational framework for elections incomplete.
Need for Transparency and Legal Certainty
KDI explained that the regulations provide the practical framework for implementing the Electoral Act, 2026, noting that Section 151 empowers INEC to issue regulations and guidelines to give effect to the provisions of the law.
The organisation also referenced the 2023 Presidential Election Petition Court judgment, which affirmed that INEC’s regulations and guidelines derive their authority from the Electoral Act and operate as subordinate legal instruments.
According to KDI, publishing the regulations in the Federal Government Gazette would provide an authenticated and authoritative version of the electoral framework, ensuring that all stakeholders work with the same official document.
Why Gazetting Matters
KDI noted that gazetting would provide official public notice to political parties, candidates, civil society organisations, election observers, security agencies, legal practitioners, courts, and voters, allowing them to better understand the rules guiding elections.
The organization added that an officially gazetted document would improve transparency, support consistent interpretation and implementation of electoral procedures, reduce disputes over conflicting versions of the guidelines, and strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Call to INEC
As preparations for the 2027 General Election commence, KDI urged INEC to complete the gazetting process without delay to give stakeholders enough time to study, understand, and prepare for the implementation of the guidelines.
“KDI therefore urges INEC to take all necessary steps to ensure the prompt gazetting and wide public dissemination of the Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, 2026. Doing so will further strengthen public confidence in the Commission’s commitment to transparency and the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process,” the statement said.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting reforms that promote credible, transparent, inclusive, and peaceful elections in Nigeria.
The statement was signed by Bukola Idowu, Executive Director of Kimpact Development Initiative.
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