The Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI)on Monday urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to immediately gazette the 2026 Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, warning that any further delay could create legal uncertainty and erode public confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The electoral advocacy group said although INEC had released the regulations and guidelines, failing to publish the document in the Federal Government Gazette meant the country’s authoritative legal and operational framework for elections remained incomplete.
In a statement, KDI Executive Director, Bukola Idowu, said gazetting the regulations was not merely a procedural requirement but a critical legal step that would strengthen transparency, accountability and electoral integrity.
He said, “While we commend INEC for developing and releasing the Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, 2026, the absence of a formally gazetted version leaves the authoritative legal and operational framework for elections under the Electoral Act, 2026 incomplete.”
Idowu explained that under Section 151 of the Electoral Act, 2026, INEC is empowered to issue regulations and guidelines to give effect to the provisions of the law.
He added that the Presidential Election Petition Court, in its judgment on the 2023 presidential election petitions, had affirmed that INEC’s regulations and guidelines derive their authority from the Electoral Act and operate as subordinate legal instruments.
“This underscores the importance of promulgating this instrument through the established official process, including publication in the Federal Government Gazette, to affirm their authenticity and facilitate their effective implementation,” he said.
According to him, gazetting would ensure that political parties, candidates, civil society organisations, election observers, security agencies and voters work with a single authentic version of the electoral rules.
He noted that it would also provide official public notice, improve transparency, eliminate doubts over the applicable procedures and strengthen confidence in the electoral process.
The KDI boss said the gazetted regulations would serve as the definitive reference document for INEC, election officials, courts, election tribunals, legal practitioners and other stakeholders whenever disputes arise.
“As preparations for the 2027 General Election continue, timely gazetting of the Regulations and Guidelines will provide stakeholders with adequate opportunity to study, understand, disseminate and prepare for their implementation,” Idowu said.
He added that early publication would minimise avoidable legal and administrative disputes arising from uncertainty over electoral procedures.
KDI urged INEC to take immediate steps to gazette and widely disseminate the 2026 Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections.
The organisation said the move would reinforce public trust in the commission and further strengthen the credibility, transparency and integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting reforms that promote credible, transparent, inclusive and peaceful elections across the country.
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