Nigeria INEC Guidelines And Party Primaries - The Effect On Political Parties — APGA As A Yardstick- As Viewed By APGA National Chairman

 

Written By Nduka Anyanwu 

Introduction: Navigating a New Electoral Landscape

In the evolving political landscape of Nigeria, the guidelines set forth by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for party primaries have become a pivotal factor influencing the strategies, unity, and electoral prospects of political parties. As the 2027 general elections approached, these regulations have sparked intense discussions on their implications for Nigeria’s democratic process.

APGA, the All Progressives Grand Alliance, stands out as a key reference point in assessing the impact of these guidelines. The party’s leadership, especially its National Chairman, Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa, views INEC’s directives as both a challenge and an opportunity—serving as a yardstick for internal democracy, fairness, and transparency.

INEC Guidelines: Setting the Stage for Fair Play

Though a bit impromptu, INEC’s guidelines for party primaries emphasize transparency, equitable access, and the avoidance of imposition of candidates. 

These measures aim to curb electoral malpractices, promote internal party democracy, and ensure credible candidate selection processes.

Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa lauds INEC’s efforts to foster a level playing field but notes that the true test lies in the implementation and adherence by political parties at all levels.

Impact on Political Parties: Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges: Political parties, especially those with entrenched internal structures, face the challenge of balancing democratic ideals with existing power dynamics. There is often resistance to reforms that threaten established interests, leading to potential conflicts and disputes during primaries.

Opportunities: For parties like APGA, these guidelines offer a chance to demonstrate commitment to transparency and internal democracy. Proper adherence can enhance party credibility, attract more grassroots support, and position the party favorably ahead of the general elections.

APGA as a Yardstick: A Model for Democratic Conduct

Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa views APGA as a benchmark for exemplary adherence to electoral guidelines. The party’s internal processes, including primaries and candidate selection, have been characterized by transparency and fairness, setting a standard for others to emulate.

He asserts, “APGA’s commitment to internal democracy is unwavering. Our adherence to INEC’s guidelines is a testament to our resolve to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process and deepen democracy.”

The Way Forward: Strengthening Democratic Institutions

Ezeokenwa emphasizes that collaboration between INEC, political parties, and civil society is essential for ensuring credible elections.

 He advocates for continuous dialogue, capacity building, and adherence to best practices in candidate selection.

“Democracy thrives when political parties embrace transparency, fairness, and internal democracy,” he affirms. “APGA remains committed to setting the pace and serving as a yardstick for others in Nigeria.”

Conclusion: A Call for Democratic Maturity

The impact of INEC’s guidelines on party primaries is profound, with the potential to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape. APGA’s example underscores that adherence to transparent processes not only strengthens individual parties but also fortifies Nigeria’s democracy as a whole.

As Nigeria prepares for the forthcoming elections, the lessons from APGA’s approach serve as a beacon for all political parties to embrace fairness, internal democracy, and integrity—cornerstones for a thriving democratic nation.