Amupitan Urges Political Parties to Deepen Internal Democracy Ahead of 2027 Elections
Oru Leonard
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has called on political parties to strengthen internal democracy by conducting transparent, credible and inclusive primary elections, warning that most election-related disputes begin long before Nigerians go to the polls.
Speaking on Thursday in Abuja while delivering the keynote address titled “Strengthening Electoral Institutions: Pathways to Free, Fair and Peaceful Elections in 2027” at the public presentation of Shadows: Protest Essays on Africa’s Most Consequential Country (1999–2023), a two-volume work authored by Eniola Bello, Amupitan said political parties must respect their constitutions, follow established rules and allow members a genuine voice in selecting candidates.
He warned that the imposition of candidates, opaque primary election processes and disregard for party guidelines have continued to fuel avoidable pre-election litigation, weaken public confidence and undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
The INEC Chairman proposed an amendment to the Electoral Act to require political parties to conclude the nomination of candidates at least one year before general elections. According to him, early resolution of nomination disputes would significantly reduce election-related court cases and enable the Commission to focus on its constitutional responsibility of conducting credible elections.
He observed that many of the legal disputes associated with elections stem from disagreements during party primaries rather than the conduct of the elections themselves, stressing that credible elections begin with credible candidate selection processes.
Amupitan also advocated greater institutional protection for INEC through constitutional and electoral reforms that would guarantee genuine financial autonomy for the Commission. He argued that although Section 81(3) of the Constitution places INEC’s funding on first-line charge, the Commission still operates within the conventional budgetary envelope system, limiting its operational independence.
He proposed that INEC’s funding should be drawn directly from the Federation Account to ensure seamless execution of its constitutional responsibilities, including voter registration, regulation of political parties and the conduct of elections, without unnecessary administrative constraints.
According to him, strengthening electoral institutions requires more than constitutional safeguards, insisting that ethical leadership, strong institutions, adherence to democratic values and commitment to the rule of law by all stakeholders remain essential to sustaining Nigeria’s democracy.
Representing Vice President Kashim Shettima, his Special Adviser on General Duties, Aliyu Modibbo, said democracy flourishes when governments tolerate criticism and remain accountable to the people.
He noted that journalism, literature and civic engagement are indispensable pillars of democratic development because they hold leaders accountable, warning that governments that fail to listen to citizens risk losing public confidence.
The event drew senior government officials, jurists, diplomats, media executives, academics, civil society leaders and other distinguished guests, who gathered to celebrate Bello’s contribution to documenting Nigeria’s democratic journey from 1999 to 2023.
