Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has raised concerns about rising voter apathy and the surge in pre-election litigation linked to political parties presenting candidates chosen through non-transparent primaries.
Speaking at a Technical Workshop on revising INEC regulations on Wednesday in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom, Amupitan highlighted that poorly conducted primaries lead to unpopular candidates, which diminishes public participation and sparks legal disputes costing billions of naira.
Amupitan stressed that the internal democracy of political parties directly impacts the quality of elections.
He warned that leadership squabbles and infighting within parties often turn them into “theatres of permanent strife,” diverting INEC’s attention from election planning.
He called for political parties to adhere strictly to their constitutions, promote internal dialogue, and implement effective dispute resolution mechanisms to ensure cohesion and democratic integrity.
The 2026 guidelines introduced by INEC are designed to improve membership documentation, ensure financial transparency, and promote inclusion of women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Amupitan urged participants to create practical measures that would strengthen political parties as institutions rather than mere electoral vehicles.
He said, “Our task is to ensure that political parties evolve from mere election vehicles into enduring democratic institutions,” emphasising the importance of protecting the sovereign will of the Nigerian people from candidate nomination through to the final results.
Westminster Foundation for Democracy is working with INEC on the Political Parties Performance Index (PPPI), a new initiative aimed at increasing internal democracy, accountability, and inclusivity within political parties, bridging the gap between the Electoral Act 2026 and everyday party operations.
The initiative seeks to promote political parties as robust democratic institutions capable of constructive dialogue and adherence to democratic norms.
