INEC Proposes Early Party Primaries to Minimize Election Disputes: MSMN News

The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has put forward a significant proposal aimed at reforming the electoral process in Nigeria. He is advocating for an amendment to the Electoral Act that would require Political Parties to finalize their primary elections at least one year prior to general elections. This initiative, according to Amupitan, is designed to allow ample time for parties to address any disputes that may arise during the candidate nomination process.

Amupitan highlighted that the current timeline for party primaries often leads to a flurry of legal challenges and disputes, which can complicate the electoral process and delay the overall election timeline. By mandating earlier primaries, he believes that political parties would have the necessary time to resolve issues internally, thus reducing the likelihood of litigation that can disrupt the democratic process.

The INEC chairman made these comments during a recent event focused on electoral reforms. He emphasized the need for a structured approach to party primaries, arguing that a proactive stance could enhance the integrity of Elections in Nigeria. Amupitan stated that many of the disputes seen in recent elections stem from rushed primary processes, which do not allow enough time for thorough candidate selection and conflict resolution.

The proposal has garnered attention from various political analysts and stakeholders within the electoral system. Some experts agree that earlier primaries could lead to a more organized electoral cycle, while others express concerns about the feasibility of such a change, especially considering the diverse political landscape in Nigeria.

In addition to reducing litigation, Amupitan believes that early primaries could foster a more competitive political environment. With more time to campaign and engage with constituents, candidates could better articulate their platforms and connect with voters ahead of the general elections. This could lead to a more informed electorate and, ultimately, a stronger democracy.

As the conversation around electoral reform continues, it remains to be seen how political parties and lawmakers will respond to INEC's recommendations. The call for amendments to the Electoral Act reflects a growing recognition of the need for changes in Nigeria's electoral framework to ensure fair and transparent elections in the future.

The proposal will require extensive discussions among lawmakers and political leaders to assess its viability and potential impact on the upcoming elections. As Nigeria prepares for future electoral cycles, the focus on early party primaries could play a crucial role in shaping the overall electoral process and reducing the contentious nature of post-election disputes.

Source / Reference

Reporting by MSMN News, based on publicly available source material.

Source: Daily Post Nigeria

Reference link: https://dailypost.ng/2026/07/28/early-party-primaries-will-reduce-election-litigation-inec/