From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has warned political parties that their instant disputes and litigations have become sources of disruptions to the electoral process in the country.
The commission further urged all the political parties to strengthen their internal governance mechanisms as Nigeria moves towards future elections to ensure that the processes reflect the will of their members.
INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu handed down the warning in his remarks at the book launch to celebrate 100 years of political party evolution in Nigeria organised by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Abuja on Thursday.
Further reminding them that internal party democracy is the foundation upon which credible general elections are built, Yakubu stressed that a democratic society begins with democratic political parties.
He equally told the party leaders that so much responsibility lies with the political parties ensuring that electoral outcomes, ultimately reflect the aspiration of the people.
The electoral umpire boss also maintained that to achieve this responsibility, there is the need for political parties to critically interrogate their conduct in the areas of electoral reforms, lack of internal party democracy, sustained engagement and collaboration.
He said: “One of the key responsibilities of political parties is the conduct of credible primary elections. Internal party democracy is the foundation upon which credible general elections are built. Effective leadership recruitment is made possible only when eligible persons with capacity are selected through duly conducted party primaries and put up for elections.
“When political parties uphold democratic principles in their internal processes.it enhances public confidence in the electoral system and strengthens democratic governance. Unfortunately, we have witnessed instances where lack of internal democracy has led to disputes, litigations, and disruptions in the electoral process.
“It is, therefore, imperative that political parties remain committed to transparent, fair, and credible primaries. As we move towards future elections, I urge all political parties to strengthen their internal governance mechanisms and ensure that their processes reflect the will of their members.
“A democratic society begins with democratic political parties. Political parties must invest in building strong and law-abiding institutions with distinct ideological leanings, rather than in installing behemoths,” he warned.
While commending the relationship between the commission and IPAC, Yakubu said: “Over the years, INEC has enjoyed a robust and mutually beneficial collaboration with IPAC. Political parties form the cornerstone of a democratic society and serve a function unlike any other institution in a democracy. Parties aggregate and represent social interests and provide a structure for political participation.”
“No democracy is perfect; it is a continuous journey of reform and improvement. As an electoral management body, INEC is committed to ensuring that our electoral processes remain credible, transparent, and inclusive. However, certain areas of our electoral framework require urgent reforms to enhance the integrity of our elections and address emerging challenges,” the commission’s boss quipped.