INEC Strengthens Electoral Transparency Ahead of 2027 General Election Through Political Finance Reform Training
INEC Strengthens Electoral Transparency Ahead of 2027 General Election Through Political Finance Reform Training
INEC Strengthens Electoral Transparency Ahead of 2027 General Election Through Political Finance Reform Training
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing transparency, accountability, and institutional capacity ahead of the 2027 General Election through the deployment of technology-driven electoral reforms.
This was disclosed by the Chairman of the Election and Party Monitoring Committee (EMPC), Dr. Baba Bila, during the opening of a training programme for Heads of Department, Election and Party Monitoring (EPM) from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as political party representatives.
The workshop, held in Lagos, focused on the Political Finance Reporting and Audit System (PFRAS) and the 2026 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties.
Dr. Bila described the initiative as a strategic step in strengthening electoral integrity, noting that political finance remains a key determinant of public confidence in democratic processes.
He explained that the newly introduced PFRAS platform is designed to digitize the submission, monitoring, and auditing of political party financial reports, thereby improving transparency and reducing operational bottlenecks.
According to him, INEC is increasingly leveraging technology to support data-driven decision-making and ensure compliance with electoral laws.
“The future of election administration depends on effective technology deployment to improve transparency and strengthen public trust,” he said.
He also commended the Department of Election and Party Monitoring for ongoing implementation efforts, citing earlier training exercises ahead of off-cycle elections as evidence of improved preparedness.
In his remarks, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Lagos State, Prof. Ayobami Salami, described the workshop as timely, noting that political activities are already intensifying ahead of the 2027 polls.
He raised concerns over recurring issues such as weak internal party democracy, poor financial reporting, and unresolved primary election disputes, which he said have contributed to electoral litigation and declining public trust.
Prof. Salami said the revised 2026 Regulations and Guidelines were developed to promote proactive monitoring and stronger enforcement mechanisms within the electoral system.
Also speaking, the Country Director of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), Adebowale Olorunmola, called for improved internal democracy within political parties and urged greater inclusion of youth, women, and persons with disabilities in political processes.
He warned that declining voter turnout reflects growing public distrust and stressed the need for political actors to embrace transparency and accountability.
On his part, DAI Team Lead, Rudolf Elbling, said participants would undergo practical training and simulations on the use of the PFRAS platform to enhance accurate political finance reporting.
Similarly, Executive Director of the Kukah Centre, Father Atta Barkindo, emphasized that Nigeria’s challenge is not a lack of laws but weak enforcement, urging stronger compliance to deepen democratic governance.
The training, jointly organised by INEC, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, DAI, and the Kukah Centre, brought together electoral officials, political party leaders, and development partners to strengthen preparations for the 2027 General Election.
Participants are expected to be equipped with enhanced technical capacity in political finance reporting, compliance monitoring, and the use of digital electoral tools under the new regulatory framework.
INEC Strengthens Electoral Transparency Ahead of 2027 General Election Through Political Finance Reform Training
