INEC asks CSOs to monitor party primaries, says delegates boast of being bribed after polls

• The INEC acknowledged the crucial role CSOs have played in election observation and advocacy.
• He noted that their reports have helped in addressing electoral irregularities.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged civil society organisations (CSOs) to expand their monitoring role to cover political party primaries.

The INEC chairman Mahmood Yakubu on Tuesday, expressed concerns about the rising cases of vote buying and manipulation of delegates during party primaries, speaking at the commission’s quarterly consultative meeting.

Yakubu asked CSOs to focus on primary elections with the same intensity as general elections, emphasizing the need to curb vote buying and other electoral irregularities.

The INEC chairman acknowledged CSOs’ vital role in election observation and advocacy, noting their reports have helped address electoral issues.

Some delegates openly discussed financial inducements received during nominations, an issue requiring scrutiny and action, Yakubu added.

“I would like to urge civil society organisations to be as interested in party primaries as you are actively engaged in the monitoring of secondary elections conducted by INEC,” the chairman said.

“Only the candidates nominated by the political parties are placed on the ballot paper for citizens to vote for on election day.

“From your monitoring reports as accredited election observers, you have consistently expressed concern over vote-buying at polling units during elections.

“Some of you have made actionable recommendations on how to curtail the menace which have been favourably considered by the commission.

“It is time to cast your net wide by focusing on the incidence of delegate-buying by aspirants during primaries.

“Some delegates openly boasted of how much money they made from aspirants during party primaries; you should intensify your advocacy in support of the practical steps taken by the relevant security and law enforcement agencies to tackle this diabolical practice.”

WITHIN NIGERIA understands that the commission’s call is timely, coming ahead of the Anambra state governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025.