KDI Urges INEC to Gazette 2026 Election Guidelines

By Joseph Sunday 

The KIMPACT Development Initiative, KDI, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to immediately gazette the regulations and guidelines for the conduct of general elections in 2026.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Bukola Idowu, the organization sated the above while it commends INEC for developing and releasing the guidelines to the public, the failure to formally publish them in the Federal Government Gazette leaves a critical gap in Nigeria’s electoral legal framework.

KDI noted that the Regulations and Guidelines provide the practical framework for implementing the Electoral Act. Under Section 151 of the Electoral Act, 2026, INEC is empowered to issue such instruments to give effect to the Act. 

The group recalled that the Presidential Election Petition Court, in its judgment on the 2023 presidential election petitions, affirmed that INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines derive their authority from the Electoral Act and operate as subordinate legislation.

According to the organization, gazetting the document is more than an administrative formality.

“Gazetting provides official public notice and ensures that all electoral stakeholders — including political parties, candidates, civil society, observers, security agencies and voters — have access to the rules governing the process. It promotes informed participation and a common understanding of procedures,” the statement said.

KDI added that gazetting would establish the guidelines as the definitive, authenticated version of the operational framework for elections, creating an enduring official record for INEC, its officials, political parties, lawyers, courts, observers and other stakeholders.

As the officially published version, it would also serve as the authoritative reference for courts and tribunals in interpreting electoral procedures and resolving disputes, reducing conflicts that may arise from competing versions or questions about authenticity.

With preparations for the 2027 general elections already underway, KDI said timely gazetting would give stakeholders adequate time to study, disseminate and prepare for implementation, thereby reducing avoidable legal and administrative disputes.

The group urged INEC to take all necessary steps to ensure prompt gazetting and wide public dissemination of the document, saying it would further strengthen public confidence in the Commission’s commitment to transparency and electoral integrity.

KDI reaffirmed its commitment to supporting reforms that promote credible, transparent, inclusive and peaceful elections in Nigeria.