Connect with us

General News

INEC Chairman Urges Political Parties to Strengthen Internal Democracy

Published

on

By Iyojo Ameh

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has called on political parties to uphold internal democracy, emphasizing that credible primaries are essential for a transparent and democratic electoral process.

Speaking at the launch of the book “Celebrating 100 Years of Political Party Evolution in Nigeria: The Imperatives of Nigeria’s Political Stability – Issues and Solutions,” organized by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Abuja, Prof. Yakubu described political parties as the “oxygen” of Nigeria’s democracy. He urged them to adhere strictly to the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC regulations to ensure fairness and transparency in their internal affairs.

“A democratic society begins with democratic political parties,” Yakubu said. “Internal democracy is essential for credible general elections, as it ensures that candidates emerge through transparent and fair primaries, thereby enhancing public confidence in the electoral system.”

The INEC chairman expressed concern over the imposition of candidates, lack of transparency in primaries, and intra-party conflicts, which often lead to legal battles and disrupt the electoral process. He warned that a failure to uphold democratic values within political parties could erode public trust in elections.

Yakubu reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to electoral integrity and ongoing reforms, noting that the Commission is working with the National Assembly to address legal gaps in the electoral framework. He urged political parties, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to support these reforms for a more inclusive electoral system.

See also  Ifeanyi Ubah Declares One-Term Pledge in Anambra Gubernatorial Bid

Also, former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd.), called on political leaders to uphold democratic values and strengthen party structures to ensure Nigeria’s political stability.

Gen. Abubakar, who led Nigeria’s transition to democracy in 1999, emphasized that despite past military interventions, democracy in Nigeria has come to stay.
“There is no alternative to civil rule. Our democracy has been tested and shaken by reactionary forces, but it has survived due to the resilience of the Nigerian people,” he stated.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, Abubakar urged political parties to revisit core democratic principles such as party leadership supremacy, adherence to manifestoes, and ideological-based membership. He expressed concern that these fundamental principles are being neglected in today’s political landscape.

He further stressed that political parties must play a central role in consolidating Nigeria’s democracy by promoting internal democracy, strengthening electoral processes, and engaging in constructive political dialogue. He also called for support for constitutional and electoral reforms aimed at correcting flaws in the electoral system and ensuring credible elections.

“We must continue to water and nurture the tree of democracy,” Abubakar said, urging all stakeholders to remain committed to democratic ideals and governance structures that promote national development.

See also  INEC Announces Readiness for Off-Cycle Elections in Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo States

The book launch, attended by top political figures, electoral stakeholders, and civil society groups, provided a platform for discussions on Nigeria’s political evolution and the way forward for a stable and progressive democracy.