The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on civil society organizations (CSOs) to extend their election monitoring efforts to political party primaries, stressing the need to combat vote-buying and other electoral malpractices.
Speaking at INEC’s first quarterly consultative meeting with CSOs for 2025 in Abuja, Chairman Mahmood Yakubu highlighted the vital role of CSOs in election observation and advocacy.
He noted that their reports have helped address electoral irregularities and urged them to focus on party primaries, where delegate-buying has been widely reported.
“I urge CSOs to monitor party primaries with the same level of interest as general elections. The candidates that appear on the ballot are selected through these primaries, so their integrity is crucial,” Yakubu stated.
He also expressed concern over reports of financial inducements in primaries, where some delegates have openly admitted to receiving bribes. He urged CSOs to intensify advocacy efforts and support security agencies in tackling these issues.
INEC is preparing for key elections, including the Anambra State governorship poll on November 8, 2025, with primaries scheduled between March 20 and April 10.
Additionally, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections will take place on February 21, 2026, as the tenure of current council officials nears completion.
Yakubu assured stakeholders that INEC’s election timetable is available online and that further discussions will take place in subsequent meetings.