May 15, (THEWILL) — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned its officials against interfering in the internal conduct of party primaries and urged political parties to strictly comply with electoral laws and guidelines ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The warning formed part of resolutions and deliberations reached at the end of a three-day training workshop for Heads of Department in Election and Party Monitoring (EPM), political party leaders and senior management staff of the Commission, which concluded in Lagos on Thursday.
The workshop focused on the Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, as well as the Political Party Finance Reporting and Audit System (PFRAS), bringing together political parties, INEC officials, development partners, and electoral experts to deepen understanding of electoral regulations, strengthen party administration, and improve monitoring mechanisms ahead of the 2027 polls.
Participants engaged in intensive technical sessions, strategic discussions and practical engagements to enhance transparency, accountability and professionalism in the conduct of party primaries and electoral activities across the country.
Members of the Election and Party Monitoring Committee (EPMC), including Dr Baba Bila, Mrs May Agbamuche-Mbu, Mr Sam Olumekun, mni, Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, Prof. Sani M. Adam, Dr Kenneth Nnamdi Ukeagu and Rear Admiral Jamila Abubakar Malafa, mni, OFR (Rtd), remained actively involved throughout the workshop and participated in the closing ceremony.
Delivering the closing remarks on behalf of the INEC Chairman, Kenneth Ukeagu reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to neutrality, fairness and equal treatment of all registered political parties.
He stressed that the Commission would continue to operate strictly within the confines of the law and its established guidelines in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
“We are there for you. We always create a level playing field for everyone. The Commission is not supporting any political party and will continue to act strictly in accordance with the law and the Commission’s guidelines”, he stated.
Ukeagu further urged political parties to fully comply with extant laws governing elections and party primaries, while encouraging aggrieved stakeholders to pursue lawful and peaceful channels for resolving disputes.
Addressing Heads of Department in Election and Party Monitoring from different states, he cautioned officials against overstepping their statutory responsibilities during the monitoring of party primaries, which are expected to commence immediately after the workshop.
“You are not directors of political parties. Yours is to monitor and report in line with the law. Do not interfere in the internal conduct of primaries beyond your statutory responsibility”, he warned.
He also emphasised the need for professionalism, objectivity and accurate reporting during the monitoring process, noting that the credibility of elections depends significantly on strict adherence to due process and regulatory standards.
The National Commissioner further urged participants to share the knowledge and experience gained during the workshop with colleagues in their states, particularly due to the tight electoral timetable leading to the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during the closing session, the Chief Technical Adviser to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Dimis Mai-Lafia, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the workshop, saying the engagement successfully achieved its objectives through robust technical sessions, group interactions and constructive stakeholder participation.
He stressed the importance of dialogue, restraint and peaceful conflict resolution in managing political disagreements and sustaining democratic stability in the country.
Also speaking, the Country Director of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), Mr Adebowale Olorunmola, commended INEC for organising the workshop and acknowledged the active participation of political parties despite ongoing preparations for primaries and the 2027 elections.
According to him, political actors and institutions must encourage issue-based political engagement, avoid inflammatory rhetoric and work towards strengthening public confidence in democratic institutions and the electoral process.
He further advocated increased participation of women, youths and persons with disabilities in the democratic process through deliberate efforts to build trust and ensure compliance with electoral regulations and guidelines.
Olorunmola also called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to sustain democratic reforms and deepen electoral integrity across the country.
Development partners, including the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, Development Alternatives Incorporated (DAI), the European Union and The Kukah Centre, were commended for supporting the workshop and contributing to efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process.
Special commendation was equally extended to the Election and Party Monitoring Department, technical teams and workshop facilitators for the successful coordination of the programme.
Participants at the workshop expressed optimism that the knowledge acquired would improve political party administration, strengthen compliance with electoral laws and guidelines and enhance the effective monitoring and conduct of party primaries nationwide as preparations intensify for the 2027 General Election.
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