Friday, January 31, 2025 - Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, has highlighted the importance of political parties conducting their activities in compliance with the electoral legal framework, the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022 and the INEC Regulations and Guidelines.
Yakubu spoke at a book launch titled ‘Celebrating 100 Years of Political
Party Evolution in Nigeria: the Imperatives of Nigeria’s Political Stability –
Issues and Solutions organised by the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC.
He noted that no Nigerian can participate in any National, State or
Federal Capital Territory election in the country unless they are members of a
political party and are sponsored by that party.
Yakubu said this underscores the importance and indispensability of
political parties to the country’s democratic system, describing the potential
parties as the oxygen of Nigeria’s political system.
“It is therefore very important for political parties to conduct their
activities in accordance/compliance with the Electoral legal framework – the
1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria: The Electoral Act 2022
and the INEC Regulations and Guidelines.”
Yakubu, who was represented by Mr. Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner,
Election and Party Monitoring, said, “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.
“100 years is a very long time for political parties to have evolved
into formidable democratic pillars. A lot of responsibility lies with the
political parties to ensure that electoral outcomes, ultimately reflect the
aspiration of the people.
He said for this to be achieved, there is the need for political parties
to critically interrogate their conduct in the areas of internal party
democracy, electoral reforms and sustained engagement and collaboration.
According to the INEC boss, one of the key responsibilities of political
parties is the conduct of credible primary elections, adding that internal
party democracy is the foundation upon which credible general
elections are built.
Meanwhile, the National Chairman of IPAC, Yusuf Dantalle said the book
is a reflection of the trials and triumphs, the challenges and achievements
that have shaped the country’s political landscape over the past century.
He called on politicians to reflect on the lessons of the past,
celebrate the milestones of the present, and chart a course for a future filled
with unity, progress, and prosperity for all Nigerians.
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