Political parties are instructed by INEC on following the regulations.

A two-day sensitization workshop for party leaders has been planned in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to improve political parties’ understanding of the electoral legal framework and other related topics, such as the rules and regulations of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The workshop educated party officials on the importance of prioritizing party finance and campaign finance reporting and the fact that INEC’s policies are intended to level the playing field for all participants. It was organized and sponsored by the European Union, DAI, and The Kukah Centre in collaboration with INEC.

Rudolf Elbling, Team Lead, DAI EU-SDGN, emphasized the need for cooperation and transparency between the parties and INEC in his remarks, adding that political parties serve as the democracy’s “engine room” and are crucial to determining public policy and forming the government.

He said that for rules to operate effectively, openness is essential.

The need for more conversation on campaign finance was emphasized by the participants, and that conversation should include anti-corruption agencies.

The workshop improved participants’ understanding of the legal framework as it relates to party administration and sought to promote more organized, better structured, and ideologically driven political parties.

In his keynote address, Prof. Bolade Eyinla, chief technical adviser to INEC chairman, stated that INEC felt it was necessary to establish a forum for engagement in order to ensure amicable working relationships between the election management body and political parties and a better understanding of the provisions governing the electoral process.