2023 presidential election: Deadline for party primaries firm, fixed — INEC

… As Nigerians commend INEC for standing its ground

By Uthman Salami

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has again reminded all Political Parties of the sanctity of the timelines set by the Electoral Act, 2022 regarding the conduct of primaries and submission names of candidates to INEC, declaring it as firm and fixed.

The electoral umpire in the country made this known in a statement that was signed by Barrister Festus Okoye, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee (INEC) which was obtained by our correspondent.

The Commission reminded the Political Parties that there was no going back to the June 3rd deadline for conclusion of primary and submission of final names of candidates for the 2023 general election.

Recall that there was a media report, not by Nigerian NewsDirect, that the ruling party had mounted pressure on INEC to have the deadline extended not unrelated to the extension.

The plot to get INEC to extend the deadline was allegedly hatched at a meeting in Abuja by some APC leaders to prepare the way for some late entrants into the presidential contest.

This, however, led to the Commission issuing a statement to express the sanctity of the deadline given earlier by the electoral umpire.

The statement partly read, “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 primaries.

“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.”

Nigerians commend INEC for standing its ground

Meanwhile Nigerians across the nation have begun to commend the INEC’s unyielding decision. Some of them shared their expressions on social media believed the decision would help the sanitise the political space.

A man named Kingsley Olufemi Essien said, “Good job INEC. We’re hoping for free and fair elections this time around. Know that electoral malpractices also have a grave effect on you and your family members as well.

@ienecnigeria said, “I salute the organisation for holding firm to the schedule of activities towards the general elections. This should not budge on their decisions.”

Another twitter users said, “I commend you @inecnigeria for holding firm that the integrity of the 2023 election starts from the primary process. @inecnigeria don’t allow anyone or some group of unscrupulous people to bully you.”

Christian B. Nyong said “I like the Commission’s resolve to stand firm above the influence of the government and its continued independence to hold firm the neutrality of its existence.”