INEC cautions APC, PDP, other parties against non-transparent primaries
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned political parties against non-transparent primaries to sustain Nigeria’s democracy.
Yahaya Bello, FCT INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, said this became imperative because a fair and credible election begins with transparent and credible primaries crowned with internal democracy.
“Political parties are, therefore, urged to play their expected part by ensuring that party internal democracy is very well orchestrated by making your congresses and primaries more transparent, fair and acceptable by your members,” he said.
He spoke at the stakeholders’ interactive session regarding the forthcoming political parties’ congresses and primaries in Abuja.
Mr Bello recalled that during the just concluded FCT area council election, the results of some primaries conducted were very seriously contested and challenged in litigations that went all the way to the Supreme Court.
“This put the commission under a lot of strain and stress and the political parties as well,” he said.
Mr Bello said that the party congresses and primaries were billed to start on April 4, 2022, to June 3, 2022, to enable all parties to practicalise their internal democracy as required by section 84 of the Electoral Act, 2022 as amended.
He said that there was also a need to bring some burning issues to the attention of political parties.
He said that the stack of uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in INEC’s custody dating as far back as the 2019 registration exercise was worrisome.
The REC said that apart from the space being consumed in storing the PVCs, there was also a need to consider the huge amount of funds expended in their production.
Mr Bello said that there was also the issue of then congested Polling Units (Pus) with the number of voters ranging from 100 to 300 that prompted INEC to expand the voter access polling units by creating other Pus at close range.
He also called on political parties to assist INEC in sensitising the electorate to ensure that all these challenges identified are curbed ahead of 2023 elections.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
NationWide
Focus on criminals, stop targeting journalists, CPJ tells Nigerian security agencies
She also pointed out harsh bail requirements imposed on journalists, describing Mr Ugagbe’s bail conditions as “utterly punitive.”
Education
Tinubu upgrades Nasarawa poly to university
Mr Onanuga said the approval followed a proposal by Senator Ahmed Aliyu, who represents the Nasarawa West Senatorial District.
Lagos
Lagos govt signs agreement to automate vehicle registration
Mr Osiyemi said the initiative would simplify and speed up vehicle registration by eliminating cumbersome processes.
States
Three rescued, one body recovered as building collapses in Kano
The PRO attributed the collapse to the use of poor and substandard building materials.
NationWide
FG calls for stronger African collaboration to combat illicit wealth, transnational corruption
Mr Fagbemi added that the recovery and transparent management of proceeds of crime remained a key pillar of the country’s anti-corruption policy.
Heading 2
FG reiterates commitment to ensuring safe return of Nigerians from South Africa
“The last evacuation flight, which is expected to bring home approximately 300 of our nationals, is expected to arrive in Nigeria next week,” Mr Ebienfa said.
