The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has stated that it will only honour the mode of primary submitted to it by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Adams Oshiomhole-led National Working Committee, NWC, for the Edo State Governorship election.
This decision was made amid the raging crisis rocking the Edo State Chapter of the APC, over the mode of primary to be used in the conduct of its June 22 Governorship election primary.
The INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, said in Abuja, on Sunday, that the Commission’s rules, regulations and laws, allow it to only relate with the National Chairman and National Secretary of political parties, only.
He stressed that regardless of what is happening in State branches of parties, the Commission would only recognise the date, venue, and mode of primary submitted to it by the two National Officers.
His words: “INEC does not deal with State branches of political parties, in matters relating to or connected with the conduct of party primaries. Section 85 (1) of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended), makes it mandatory for political parties intending to nominate Candidates for elective Offices, to give the Commission 21 days’ notice of its intention to conduct party primaries.
“In our rules and regulations, the letter to this effect is signed by the National Chairman and National Secretary of political parties, indicating the date, time, and venue, for the conduct of party primaries, and the mode of the primaries.
“The mode of primaries to be adopted by political parties, is a function of their constitution, the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended), and the regulations and guidelines issued by INEC.
“So, we do not have business with State branches of political parties, because our rules, regulations, and laws, say we should relate with the National Chairman and the National Secretary, in terms of fixing party primaries, whether direct or indirect.
“The Commission will not dictate to political parties the mode of primaries to adopt, as it is a purely legal and party affair. What is certain is that the Commission will monitor the primaries and provide protective equipment for its staff that will be involved in the process.”