The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on civil society organizations (CSOs) to extend their election monitoring efforts to political party primaries, emphasizing the need to tackle vote-buying and other electoral malpractices.
INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, made this appeal during the Commission’s first quarterly consultative meeting with CSOs for 2025, held at its headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday. He acknowledged the crucial role CSOs have played in election observation and advocacy, noting that their reports have helped address electoral irregularities.
Yakubu urged CSOs to pay closer attention to party primaries, where cases of delegate-buying have become rampant. He pointed out that some delegates have openly admitted to receiving financial inducements during the nomination process, highlighting the need for greater scrutiny and action.
“I urge civil society organisations to be as interested in party primaries as you are in monitoring elections conducted by INEC,” Yakubu stated. “Only candidates nominated by political parties appear on the ballot for citizens to vote for on election day. Many of your election observation reports have raised concerns about vote-buying at polling units. Now, it’s time to broaden your focus and address delegate-buying during primaries.”
He further called on CSOs to intensify advocacy efforts in support of actions taken by security and law enforcement agencies to curb this unethical practice.
The meeting comes as INEC prepares for key upcoming elections, including the Anambra State Governorship election set for November 8, 2025. Political parties are expected to conduct their primaries between March 20 and April 10, 2025. Yakubu reminded stakeholders that the election timetable was released in October 2024, with the official Notice of Election published on November 13, 2024, in line with legal requirements.
Additionally, preparations are underway for the Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), scheduled for February 21, 2026. The tenure of the six Chairmen and 62 Councillors will expire next year, necessitating early planning for a smooth electoral process.
With these elections on the horizon, INEC continues to emphasize the importance of transparency, fair play, and accountability in Nigeria’s electoral system.
