Despite reported lobby by political party leaders for an extension of sate for it primary elections to picks its candidates ahead of the 2023 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has refused to bow to pressure as it has insisted that the commission will not extend the deadline for the conduct of primaries.
Some political parties have intensified lobbying ahead of their extension of dates for purchase and return of Expression of Interest and Nomination form, to enable them rake more money, a situation which could lead to extension in the date for their primaries
ÍNEC in a statement issued Thursday by its National Commissioner, in charge of Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Festus Okoye, said the deadline remains “firm and fixed” for Friday, June 3.
The statement noted further that political parties have one month from the day of its release” to conclude their primaries, even as it admitted that all the 18 political parties have served the required notices indicating the dates for their conventions, congresses, and primaries for the purpose of nominating candidates for various elective offices.
”It will be recalled that on 26th February 2022, the Commission released the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2023 General Election. It provides for parties to conduct their primaries for the nomination of candidates from 4th April to 3rd June 2022.
In compliance with section 82(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, all 18 political parties have served the required notices indicating the dates for their conventions, congresses, and primaries for the purpose of nominating candidates for various elective offices as specified in the Constitution and the Electoral Act. Some of the parties have already commenced the process for which the Commission has deployed staff to monitor the exercise as required by law.
”Given the importance of the exercise to the emergence of candidates for the various elective positions for the 2023 General Election, it is imperative to remind political parties that they have one month from today to conclude their primaries. The deadline remains Friday 3rd June 2022.
”While urging the parties to ensure rancour-free and transparent exercise, the Commission reiterates that the deadline is firm and fixed.
”Nominations for Presidential and National Assembly elections shall be submitted through the INEC web portal from 10th to 17th June 2022 while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly nominations shall be submitted between 1st and 15th July 2022.
”Political parties are further reminded that they must submit to the Commission the list of candidates who must have emerged from valid.
”The Commission will continue to work with political parties to ensure fidelity to the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the timelines for all the activities contained in the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2023 General Election.”
