The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been urged to consider requiring political parties to employ trained psychiatrists as part of its ongoing electoral reforms. The suggestion came from Professor Anthony Kila, a director at the Institute of the Commonwealth and a jurist, who responded to a recent incident at the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The incident involved a clash between two PDP factions—one loyal to Minister Nyesom Wike and the other to newly elected National Chairman Tanimu Turaki—resulting in chaos and the alleged teargassing of two state governors, Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde. The confrontation occurred as Turaki attempted to assume office, accompanied by the two governors. Professor Kila described the episode as a “show of shame” that exposed a flaw in the Nigerian partisan political elite.
According to Kila, the presence of well‑trained psychiatrists within political parties could help address the underlying issues that fuel such conflicts. He argued that, while parties are normally composed of individuals with shared purposes and like minds, the PDP episode demonstrated that this is not always the case. The behavior exhibited—deployment of police officers, physical altercations, and overall disorder—was, in his view, unbecoming and uninspiring.
Mandating psychiatrists in political parties is seen as a potential step toward managing internal dynamics more professionally and neutrally, thereby reducing the likelihood of violent clashes. As Nigeria’s electoral landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether INEC will incorporate Professor Kila’s proposal into its reform agenda. The incident underscores the need for greater civility and cooperation within political parties and highlights the possible benefits of seeking professional help to achieve that goal.
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