INEC Urges CSOs to Tackle Delegate-Buying in Party Primaries
By Abiodun Folarin, Abuja
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has called on Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to actively monitor political party primaries, with a focus on the growing issue of delegate-buying by aspirants.
Speaking at the first regular consultative meeting with CSOs on Tuesday in Abuja, Prof. Yakubu expressed concern over reports of delegates openly boasting about the money they received from aspirants during party primaries.
“I urge civil society organisations to be as engaged in party primaries as they are in monitoring general elections conducted by INEC. After all, only the candidates nominated by political parties make it onto the ballot for citizens to vote on during Election Day,” he stated.
Prof. Yakubu acknowledged that CSOs have consistently highlighted vote-buying at polling units and provided actionable recommendations to curb the problem. He emphasized the need for CSOs to expand their focus to include delegate-buying, describing it as a major threat to credible elections.
“Some delegates have openly boasted about how much money they made from aspirants during primaries. You should intensify your advocacy and support the efforts of security and law enforcement agencies in tackling this unethical practice,” he urged.
Updates on Anambra Governorship and FCT Area Council Elections
Prof. Yakubu also provided updates on the upcoming Anambra State Governorship Election, stating that INEC had released the timetable and schedule of activities on October 17, 2024. He confirmed that political parties interested in fielding candidates would conduct their primaries between March 20 and April 10, 2025.
Similarly, he announced the timetable for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Election, scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026. This election will determine new leaders for the six Chairmen and 62 Councillor positions, as the current officials’ four-year tenure ends next year.
The INEC chairman reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to ensuring credible elections and called for continued collaboration with CSOs in promoting electoral integrity.
