Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified its rationale for engaging with factional leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a move that has drawn public scrutiny. The electoral body stated its primary objective is to ensure inclusivity and uphold the integrity of the electoral process, especially amidst ongoing internal disputes within the major opposition party. This proactive engagement aims to avert potential legal challenges and disruptions to future elections.

Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the INEC Chairman, addressed concerns during a recent press briefing in Abuja, emphasizing the commission’s commitment to neutrality. He explained that INEC’s mandate necessitates interaction with all relevant political stakeholders, regardless of internal party divisions, to facilitate compliance with electoral laws and guidelines. The commission stressed that its role is not to mediate party disputes but to ensure that such conflicts do not impede the democratic process.

The PDP has been grappling with significant internal strife, particularly concerning its national leadership and state-level structures, which have led to multiple legal battles. These factional disputes often result in parallel primaries and conflicting candidate lists, posing a considerable challenge for INEC in determining legitimate representatives. The electoral umpire highlighted the necessity of understanding the positions of all factions to make informed decisions that align with extant laws and court pronouncements.

INEC officials elaborated that their meetings with various PDP factions are crucial for collating necessary information, including lists of delegates and candidates, that might be contested. This engagement is a standard operational procedure designed to pre-empt post-election litigation that could arise from unresolved party conflicts. The commission underscored its responsibility to ensure that every political party adheres to its constitution and the Electoral Act in its internal processes.

The commission further clarified that engaging with factional leaders does not imply recognition of any particular faction as the legitimate one, but rather a pragmatic approach to gather all pertinent facts. INEC maintains that the courts remain the ultimate arbiter of internal party disputes, and the commission will always abide by judicial pronouncements. This stance underscores INEC’s delicate balance between operational necessity and judicial deference.

Critics have occasionally questioned INEC’s involvement in internal party affairs, advocating for a stricter non-interference policy. However, the commission argues that its interventions are often necessitated by the direct impact of party disputes on the electoral timetable and the legitimacy of candidates. Without such engagements, INEC risks being unprepared for the complexities that factionalism introduces into the electoral landscape.

The engagement also serves as an opportunity for INEC to remind all political actors of the importance of internal party democracy and conflict resolution mechanisms. The commission has consistently urged parties to resolve their differences amicably and within their constitutional frameworks, thereby reducing the burden on the electoral body and the judiciary. This call aligns with broader efforts to strengthen democratic institutions in Nigeria.

Historically, Nigeria’s electoral landscape has been marred by legal tussles stemming from party primaries and leadership contests. INEC’s proactive dialogue with factional leaders is a strategic move to mitigate these recurring issues, ensuring that the focus remains on credible elections rather than protracted legal battles. Such engagements are deemed vital for fostering stability and predictability in the political system.

The commission reiterated its commitment to transparency and fairness in all its dealings with political parties. It emphasized that similar engagements would be extended to any party experiencing significant internal divisions that could potentially affect the electoral process. This principle of equal treatment across the political spectrum reinforces INEC’s role as an impartial umpire.

Looking ahead, INEC’s approach signals a continued effort to navigate the intricate dynamics of Nigerian politics while staying true to its constitutional mandate. The electoral body remains steadfast in its resolve to deliver free, fair, and credible elections, urging all political stakeholders to prioritize national interest above partisan squabbles for the advancement of democratic governance.

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Keywords: INEC PDP factions, Nigerian electoral commission, Political party disputes, Electoral process integrity, Mahmood Yakubu, Internal party democracy, Nigerian elections, Electoral Act compliance