The Chairman of INEC told political parties to refrain from engaging in conflicting primaries

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, has once again emphasized the need for political parties to refrain from engaging in conflicting primaries, which often result in the emergence of multiple candidates. Yakubu reiterated this call during the first regular quarterly consultative meeting with political parties held in Abuja on Tuesday.


Expressing his concerns, Yakubu highlighted the disruptive and costly nature of frequent changes, particularly evident during recent events such as the primaries in Edo State. He emphasized that such changes not only disrupt the electoral process but also impose significant financial burdens on the commission. Mobilizing, demobilizing, and remobilizing INEC officials for monitoring party primaries pose logistical challenges that could be avoided if political parties exercise greater consistency and adherence to established processes.

Furthermore, Yakubu underscored the adverse consequences of conflicting primaries, noting that they often lead to unnecessary litigations, further complicating the electoral landscape. These legal battles not only consume time and resources but also undermine the credibility and integrity of the electoral process.

The consultative meeting provided an opportunity for INEC to engage with political parties and assess various aspects of recent electoral activities, including rerun and bye-elections, as well as preparations for the forthcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States.

In the buildup to the Edo State Governorship Election, multiple political parties conducted parallel primaries to select their candidates. The All Progressives Congress (APC) witnessed internal disputes, with four individuals vying for the party's candidacy before eventually resolving the conflict through a new primary that produced Monday Okpebholo as the candidate.

Similarly, within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), conflicting claims emerged regarding the outcome of the primary. While Asue Ighodalo was declared the winner, Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu asserted his candidacy, leading to internal disagreements and uncertainties within the party ranks.

These instances of conflicting primaries underscore the need for political parties to uphold internal democracy, transparency, and adherence to electoral guidelines. By fostering consensus and resolving disputes amicably, parties can contribute to a more robust and credible electoral process, ultimately strengthening Nigeria's democracy.

As preparations continue for the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States, it is imperative for all stakeholders, including political parties, electoral authorities, and civil society organizations, to collaborate effectively to ensure the smooth conduct of the electoral process and uphold the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability.