INEC Reminds Political Parties To Conduct Primaries Before June 3

By Ogar Monday

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The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has warned that political parties that fail to conduct their party primaries within the next one month risk not being on the ballot for next year’s election.

The warning, contained in a letter by the Commission, signed by Mr. Festus Okoye, National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee dated, 5th May 2022, reminded the political parties of INEC’s timetable, schedule of activities and that the Commission will insist on.

It reads: “In compliance with section 82 sub 1 of the Electoral Act 2022, all 18 political parties have served the required notices indicating the dates for their conventions, congresses, and primaries for the purpose of nominating candidates for various elective offices as specified in the Constitution and the Electoral Act.

“Some of the parties have already commenced the process for which the Commission has deployed staff to monitor the exercise as required by law.

“Given the importance of the exercise to the emergence of candidates for the various elective positions for the 2023 general election, it is imperative to remind political parties that they have one month from today to conclude their primaries.

“The deadline remains Friday 3rd June 2022. While urging the parties to ensure rancor-free and transparent exercise, the Commission reiterates that the deadline is firm and fixed.”

The letter also reiterated the need for all the political parties to submit to the Commission the list of candidates who emerged from valid primaries.