The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Osun State, has urged all registered political parties to comply strictly with the Electoral Act, 2022 and the Commission’s guidelines as preparations intensify for the 2026 party primaries.
In a statement released on Monday by the Osun INEC Public Affairs Officer, Olurode Musa, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Mutiu Agboke, called for strict adherence to laid-down procedures to ensure credible and lawful primaries.
“We urge all political parties to ensure that their primaries are conducted in a transparent, democratic and peaceful manner,” the Commission stated.
INEC noted that party primaries had become a major source of pre-election litigation and stressed that such disputes could be reduced if political parties respected legal provisions.
According to the statement, “Primary elections have often been a source of pre-election litigations which can be avoided if parties follow the laid-down procedures and guidelines.”
The Commission reminded stakeholders that the timetable issued by its national headquarters scheduled party primaries between November 24 and December 15, 2025 and emphasised that parties must work within the approved period to avoid violations.
INEC added that it was fully prepared to provide support to political parties throughout the primaries.
The statement read, “The Commission is prepared to provide necessary support and guidance to parties to ensure that their primaries are conducted in accordance with the law.”
The Commission also appealed to security agencies and other stakeholders to back its efforts toward ensuring peaceful intra-party contests and urged collaboration to guarantee an orderly process.
The statement warned that INEC would monitor all party activities closely during the primaries. “INEC will continue to monitor the activities of political parties and take appropriate actions within the ambit of the law against any party that fails to comply,” it said.
The Commission reiterated the importance of internal party democracy as a foundation for credible elections and stability within the political system.
INEC also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity of the electoral process, stating that it remained focused on making votes count and consolidating our democracy.