Kebbi State’s Inter‑Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has called on all political parties—whether they have yet to hold their congresses or have already concluded them—to strictly adhere to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regulations and constitutional provisions before conducting party primaries.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Faruku Garba, the Kebbi State IPAC chairman and a member of the National Advisory Team of Observers (NATO), emphasized that transparent and credible congresses are essential for strengthening internal democracy within Nigeria’s political parties. Garba described well‑run congresses as a “litmus test” for the credibility of subsequent primary elections, noting that internal party democracy remains a cornerstone for generating quality leadership.
According to Garba, “good leaders are produced through fair congresses.” He warned that poorly organised congresses often trigger litigation, which can jeopardise a party’s performance at the polls and sow unnecessary tension in the democratic process. The chairman urged parties to ensure that their internal activities are fully compliant with INEC’s legal framework and the constitutional guidelines that govern party operations.
“We are monitoring developments in party congresses closely and admonish parties to conduct seamless proceedings,” Garba said. “Failure to follow the rules may result in political rancour or even delisting of the party for non‑compliance with constitutional and INEC directives.”
The call comes amid heightened scrutiny of party primaries across Nigeria, where several parties have faced legal challenges and internal disputes over delegate selection, voting procedures, and the verification of congresses. INEC has repeatedly underscored the necessity for parties to submit proper documentation and adhere to stipulated timelines to avoid sanctions, including the possible cancellation of a party’s registration.
IPAC’s reminder aligns with recent statements from INEC officials who have urged parties to complete their congresses and primaries well before the 2027 general elections, emphasizing that compliance will enable smoother electoral administration and reduce the incidence of post‑election litigation.
Political analysts note that the effectiveness of the upcoming primaries will significantly influence the credibility of Nigeria’s broader electoral calendar. By insisting on adherence to legal and procedural standards, IPAC aims to foster a more predictable and stable political environment in Kebbi State and across the nation.
Stakeholders are expected to respond to the IPAC appeal in the coming weeks, as parties finalize their internal processes ahead of the next electoral cycle. Continued vigilance by INEC and civil‑society monitors will likely determine whether the warning translates into concrete compliance or further disputes in the lead‑up to the elections.
