Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Umar Audu
Published on 2024-03-19 16:27:22
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, recently issued a warning to political parties regarding the upcoming Nov. 16 Ondo governorship election. INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, emphasized the need for political parties to avoid conducting parallel primaries, which can lead to disruption and unnecessary costs. As preparations for the election progress, 16 out of 19 political parties have expressed their interest in participating, with party primaries scheduled to take place from April 6 to April 27.
Yakubu urged political parties to adhere strictly to their proposed dates and modes of primaries to ensure certainty and optimal deployment of resources. He cautioned against acrimonious primaries, citing the emergence of multiple candidates and the tendency to grant waivers to individuals who were recently affiliated with other political parties. These infractions often lead to internal litigations and unnecessary expenses for both the parties and the commission.
In light of the recent Edo governorship election on Sept. 21, Yakubu advised political parties to upload the particulars of their nominees before the March 24 deadline. By following the timetable and schedule of activities, parties have 20 days to submit the necessary information to INEC’s dedicated portal. Failure to meet the deadline may jeopardize the nomination process, as there will be no extensions beyond the published timeline.
The commission also announced plans to schedule re-run elections in Kano and Enugu states, following disruptions in certain constituencies during the recent by-elections and rerun elections. Winners have already emerged in most constituencies, showcasing a diverse outcome in terms of party representation. The engagement with stakeholders, including security agencies, aims to address the issues that led to disruptions and announce new dates for the re-run elections.
Yusuf Dantalle, the National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), pledged the council’s partnership with INEC and other stakeholders for the upcoming Edo and Ondo governorship elections. He emphasized the importance of enforcing the Code of Conduct for political parties and proposed revisions to accommodate recent developments. Dantalle also highlighted the need to review and strengthen electoral laws to ensure credible and transparent elections in Nigeria.
Under his leadership, IPAC aims to oversee the electoral process in line with international best practices, combat vote buying, thuggery, and other challenges that compromise the integrity of elections. A Constitution and Electoral Act Amendments Committee will be established to address irregularities and propose amendments to the National Assembly. IPAC is committed to ensuring successful and transparent gubernatorial elections in Edo and Ondo, emphasizing the importance of accountability and adherence to electoral standards.
In conclusion, the collaborative efforts of INEC, political parties, and stakeholders are crucial in ensuring free, fair, and credible elections in Nigeria. By upholding ethical standards and transparency, the electoral process can reflect the will of the people and strengthen democracy in the country.
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