THE Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has attributed the rising wave of voter apathy and pre-election litigations to the emergence of candidates through what he described as non-transparent and flawed party primaries.
Speaking at a technical workshop on the revision of INEC regulations and guidelines for political parties in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, Amupitan said the lack of internal democracy within political parties has become a major concern.
He noted that when unpopular candidates are imposed on the electorate through questionable primary processes, the result is widespread voter disengagement and a surge in legal disputes before elections.
According to him, billions of naira have been spent on litigation arising from intra-party conflicts that could have been avoided if party constitutions were properly followed.
He stressed that the quality of internal party democracy directly influences the credibility and outcome of general elections conducted by INEC, particularly as the primary election window approaches between April 23 and May 30, 2026.
Amupitan lamented the growing trend of leadership tussles within political parties, warning that such disputes risk turning them into “theatres of permanent strife” rather than platforms for national development.
He observed that these conflicts often spill into the courts, where INEC is frequently joined as a party, diverting the Commission’s attention from its core responsibility of election planning.
He added that the forthcoming 2026 guidelines would introduce stricter standards for membership documentation, financial transparency, and greater inclusion of women, youths, and persons with disabilities.
The aim, he said, is to foster a more stable political environment and ensure parties evolve into enduring democratic institutions capable of resolving internal disputes constructively.
Also speaking at the event, the Country Director of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy in Nigeria, Adebowale Olorunmola, explained that the workshop was convened to align party regulations with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
He said the review process seeks to bridge the gap between the legal framework and the day-to-day operations of political parties.
Olorunmola noted that the collaboration between WFD and INEC is anchored on the Political Parties Performance Index, an initiative designed to strengthen internal democracy, promote inclusivity across demographics, and enhance legal compliance among political parties.
He expressed hope that the revised guidelines would usher in a new era where political parties are defined by transparency, accountability, and a genuine commitment to democratic values.
