The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) cautioned political parties against the frequent changing of primary election dates, citing disruptions and costs incurred. INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, emphasized the need for parties to adhere to proposed dates and modes of primaries for optimal resource deployment.
The warning came during the first regular quarterly consultative meeting with political parties in Abuja. Yakubu highlighted the upcoming Ondo State governorship primary elections, urging parties to maintain consistency to ensure certainty and efficiency in the electoral process.
He also addressed issues of acrimonious primaries and the emergence of multiple candidates, stressing the need for parties to avoid unnecessary litigations and disruptions. Additionally, INEC revealed that only six out of 16 political parties interested in the Edo governorship election had uploaded candidate details, urging parties to adhere to the Commission’s schedule to avoid last-minute rush and ensure successful nomination of candidates.
In his address during the first regular quarterly consultative meeting with political parties in Abuja, INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, expressed concern over the recent trend of frequent changes in primary election dates by political parties.
He emphasized the disruptive and costly nature of such changes and urged parties to adhere to their proposed dates and modes of primaries to ensure efficiency and optimal resource deployment. Yakubu specifically referred to the upcoming Ondo State governorship primary elections scheduled to commence on April 6, 2024, cautioning against last-minute adjustments that could undermine the electoral process.
Yakubu highlighted the need for political parties to conduct primaries without acrimony and avoid the emergence of multiple candidates, which often lead to unnecessary litigations and disputes. He urged parties to find solutions to these challenges to streamline the electoral process and minimize disruptions.
Moreover, Yakubu addressed the issue of parties granting waivers to candidates who recently defected from other political parties, leading to conflicts and legal disputes. He emphasized the need for parties to adhere to the rules and regulations governing candidate nominations to prevent unnecessary legal battles that drain resources and time.
Regarding the Edo State governorship election scheduled for September 21, 2024, INEC revealed that only six out of 16 political parties that expressed interest had uploaded details of their candidates on the Commission’s portal. Yakubu urged parties to adhere to the Commission’s schedule and avoid last-minute rush to ensure successful nomination of candidates within the stipulated timeframe.
Overall, INEC’s message underscored the importance of stability and adherence to electoral timelines by political parties to enhance the integrity and efficiency of the electoral process.
