The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised serious concerns about the growing number of internal disputes within political parties and the surge in election-related lawsuits in Nigeria.
According to INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, these conflicts are consuming valuable resources and distracting the electoral body from its primary responsibility of preparing for credible elections.
Speaking at a technical workshop on the revision of INEC regulations and guidelines for political parties held in Ikot Ekpene, Amupitan warned that persistent internal party conflicts could undermine Nigeria’s democratic progress.
Leadership Disputes Threaten Internal Party Democracy
Amupitan said political parties in Nigeria are increasingly plagued by leadership struggles, factional crises, and disputes over party primaries.
He explained that many of these issues end up in court, forcing INEC to participate in legal battles that could have been avoided if parties strictly followed their own constitutions.
“Political parties are meant to serve as vehicles for national transformation,” he said. “Instead, they are becoming theatres of permanent conflict and internal wrangling.”
The INEC chairman stressed that the lack of internal party democracy—particularly during candidate selection and party primaries—has become a major concern ahead of upcoming electoral activities.
Election Preparations Affected by Court Cases
INEC revealed that it has been joined in numerous lawsuits resulting from disputes within political parties.
According to Amupitan, every day spent defending these cases in court is time taken away from planning elections, updating regulations, and improving electoral processes.
He noted that the quality of party primaries has a direct impact on the credibility of general elections conducted by the commission.
INEC has already scheduled the 2026 primary election window between April 23 and May 30, making it essential for parties to ensure transparent and fair internal processes.
Electoral Guidelines Review Underway
The workshop was organised in partnership with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy to review and strengthen electoral regulations.
Country Director Adebowale Olorunmola said the review is necessary to align existing guidelines with the provisions of the 2026 Electoral Act.
Also speaking at the event, Obo Efanga, Resident Electoral Commissioner in Akwa Ibom State, described the workshop as a strategic step toward improving political party administration and compliance with electoral laws.
INEC hopes that the revised guidelines will reduce political party disputes, strengthen internal democracy, and support a more stable electoral system in Nigeria.
