Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has called for an amendment to the Electoral Act to require political parties to conclude their primary elections at least one year before general elections.
Amupitan said the proposal would give political parties sufficient time to resolve disputes arising from candidate nominations, thereby reducing election-related litigation.
According to a statement posted on INEC’s X handle on Tuesday, Amupitan made the call while delivering a keynote address at the public presentation of Shadows: Protest Essays on Africa’s Most Consequential Country (1999–2023) in Abuja.
He explained that resolving party primary disputes well before elections would allow the electoral commission to focus on its constitutional responsibility of conducting credible polls rather than addressing conflicts originating from political parties.
According to Amupitan, most election-related litigation stems from disagreements over party primaries rather than issues arising during elections themselves.
“Most election-related legal disputes begin long before Nigerians cast their votes. If political parties conclude their primaries early and conduct them in a transparent, credible and inclusive manner, it will go a long way in reducing unnecessary litigation,” Amupitan said.
He said political parties could only strengthen Nigeria’s democracy by respecting their constitutions, adhering to their rules and providing members with a genuine opportunity to choose candidates.
Amupitan warned that the imposition of candidates, lack of transparency during party primaries and disregard for party guidelines had continued to fuel avoidable pre-election court cases, weaken public confidence and undermine the country’s electoral process.
“Strengthening internal democracy within political parties is as important as strengthening the nation’s electoral institutions,” he said.
He added that credible elections begin with credible candidate selection.
Amupitan also called for constitutional and electoral reforms to grant INEC greater financial autonomy to effectively discharge its responsibilities.
He noted that although the Constitution places INEC’s funding on the first-line charge, the commission still operates under the annual budget system, which limits its operational efficiency.
To address the challenge, he proposed that INEC’s funding should come directly from the Federation Account, enabling the commission to conduct voter registration, regulate political parties and organise elections without unnecessary administrative delays.
‘Early party primaries will reduce election litigation’ – INEC