The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to focus on restoring public trust, as party disputes continue to draw criticism. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, acknowledged that internal legal battles burden INEC but said the commission’s image crisis is a bigger threat.

Johnson warned that widespread voter apathy stems from the public perception that INEC undermines the democratic process, not from internal party disagreements. He called on the electoral body to demonstrate transparency and fairness to regain voter confidence.

While recognizing that political parties must improve internal democracy, the NNPP stressed that INEC’s reforms should aim at ensuring unbiased elections and protecting the sanctity of votes. Johnson argued that no amount of party stability will increase turnout without visible accountability from the commission.

INEC, meanwhile, continues to enforce its 2026 regulations on political parties, emphasizing stricter guidelines for membership verification, financial transparency, and inclusion of women, youth, and persons with disabilities ahead of party primaries.