Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Francis Ugwu
Published on 2024-03-28 06:17:48
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has distanced itself from the Labour Party (LP) National Convention that took place in Anambra on Wednesday. Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of INEC, made this known in a statement to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday. Oyekanmi mentioned that INEC did not monitor the convention and did not provide any further details as to why they did not do so.
It was reported by NAN that the LP had initially planned to hold the convention in Umuahia, Abia State but later changed it to Nnewi, Anambra State. Mr. Kehinde Edun, the LP National Legal Adviser, explained to the press that the party had informed INEC about the change in venue and date. He emphasized that the party had the liberty to choose any venue they deemed fit, as long as they informed INEC of the changes.
According to Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, political parties are required to give INEC at least 21 days notice before holding a convention, congress, conference, or meeting. This notification is crucial for INEC to monitor and ensure the transparency and fairness of the process, whether it is for electing members of the executive committees, merging with other parties, or nominating candidates.
The LP’s decision to change the convention venue from Umuahia to Nnewi raised questions about the transparency of the process. While the party claimed to have informed INEC about the change, the fact that the electoral commission did not monitor the convention raised concerns about the adherence to electoral laws and guidelines.
In a democratic society, it is vital for political parties to follow due process and respect the regulations set by the electoral body. By notifying INEC in advance and allowing them to monitor the proceedings, parties can ensure accountability and credibility in their internal processes. Failure to do so can undermine the integrity of the electoral system and the trust of the public in the political process.
Moving forward, it is essential for all political parties to comply with the electoral laws and regulations to uphold the principles of democracy. Transparency, accountability, and adherence to due process are fundamental for the smooth functioning of the electoral process and the credibility of the political system. INEC plays a crucial role in safeguarding the integrity of elections, and it is important for all stakeholders to work together to ensure free, fair, and credible electoral processes in Nigeria.
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