The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has expressed concern over what it described as the erosion of internal democracy within Nigeria’s political parties following the removal of indirect primaries from the Electoral Act 2026.
According to the council, the change is gradually concentrating the power of candidate selection in the hands of a few influential political figures, reducing the role of ordinary party members in the democratic process.
The warning came as the Social Democratic Party (SDP) disassociated itself from a lawsuit challenging the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2027 general elections. At the same time, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and INEC renewed efforts to combat vote-buying, electoral fraud, and other financial crimes linked to elections.
Speaking during INEC’s quarterly consultative meeting in Abuja, IPAC Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, stated that limiting political parties to direct primaries and consensus arrangements has significantly altered the process of candidate emergence in Nigeria.
He argued that abolishing indirect primaries has deprived millions of party members of meaningful participation in choosing candidates. According to him, indirect primaries historically provided a balance within parties by enabling elected delegates to represent grassroots interests and bridge the gap between aspirants and party members.
Dantalle warned that the absence of indirect primaries has created room for closed-door negotiations, imposed consensus candidates, and costly direct primaries that often favour aspirants with substantial financial resources and political influence.
“What we are witnessing is not internal democracy but a consolidation of power among elites,” he said, adding that party power blocs now exercise excessive influence over who secures a place on the ballot.
The IPAC chairman further noted that while direct primaries appear democratic in principle, they are often expensive and difficult to administer, especially in parties with weak structures or where money heavily influences political processes.
He also expressed concerns that the consensus option is increasingly susceptible to abuse, with some party leaders allegedly imposing candidates under the guise of party agreement.
Dantalle reaffirmed IPAC’s willingness to collaborate with INEC, the National Assembly, political parties, and civil society organisations to address what he described as the growing centralisation of authority within political parties. He stressed that restoring genuine internal democracy ahead of the 2027 elections is crucial to rebuilding confidence among party members and the electorate.
SDP Rejects Lawsuit Challenging INEC Timetable
Meanwhile, the SDP has distanced itself from a legal action challenging aspects of INEC’s timetable for the 2027 elections.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, the party accused its former National Secretary, Olu Agunloye, of filing the suit without obtaining approval from the party’s leadership.
The party described the move as an act of impunity and a breach of due process, insisting that Agunloye lacked the authority to initiate legal proceedings on behalf of the SDP.
According to the statement, the lawsuit was undertaken solely on Agunloye’s initiative and does not reflect the position of the party or any of its constitutionally recognised organs.
The SDP further maintained that Agunloye, whom it described as an expelled former official, no longer possesses any legal authority to represent the party in any capacity.
The party alleged that documents exchanged with the law firm handling the matter showed that Agunloye personally retained legal counsel. It warned that the litigation could disrupt its preparations for the 2027 general elections and therefore formally dissociated itself from the lawsuit and all related actions.
EFCC, INEC Strengthen Anti-Vote-Buying Efforts
In a related development, the EFCC and INEC have renewed their partnership to tackle vote-buying, electoral malpractice, and other financial crimes ahead of future elections.
The collaboration forms part of broader preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship polls and the 2027 general elections, with both agencies identifying illicit financial influence as a major threat to electoral credibility.
The EFCC disclosed the renewed partnership via its official X account following a courtesy visit by the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Obo Effanga, to the commission’s Benin Zonal Directorate.
According to the anti-corruption agency, Effanga said the visit was intended to engage critical stakeholders, particularly law enforcement agencies, as preparations gradually commence for the next general elections.
He explained that discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between INEC and the EFCC, especially in addressing electoral offences such as vote-buying and other forms of financial inducement.
The EFCC noted that the engagement would deepen institutional collaboration and support efforts to safeguard the integrity and credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.
Separately, officials of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Edo State branch, also visited the EFCC’s Benin Zonal Directorate to explore areas of mutual cooperation.
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