Development Partners Urge Nigerian INEC Chair to Uphold Electoral Laws on Candidate Substitutions

International development partners supporting Nigeria's electoral process have reportedly urged the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, to rigorously follow the Electoral Act concerning candidate substitutions before the upcoming general elections.

These partners, who have collaborated with INEC on electoral reforms, capacity building, and transparency initiatives, emphasized during high-level discussions that the Commission must operate strictly within legal boundaries and reject any external political influence. Key organizations involved include the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), World Bank, European Union (EU), and ECOWAS, among others, providing support across various aspects of election management and democratic governance.

The partners' caution reportedly stems from controversy surrounding the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee's alleged attempt to substitute approximately 26 National Assembly candidates after the conclusion of INEC-monitored party primaries. Sources indicate that the development partners stressed the importance of INEC safeguarding the integrity of the primary election process and adhering to the electoral timetable.

"INEC must not subvert the clear provisions of the Electoral Act regarding candidate nominations and substitutions. The Commission’s role as an impartial umpire demands that it prioritise legal compliance over any partisan or external influence," a source quoted the partners. An official from one partner organization highlighted Professor Amupitan's opportunity to bolster public confidence in Nigeria's electoral system, urging him to resist attempts to alter primary outcomes through internal party appeal committees after deadlines have passed. The partners warned that any perceived compromise could jeopardize previous electoral gains, lead to extensive litigation, and disrupt the election schedule.

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INEC must not subvert the clear provisions of the Electoral Act regarding candidate nominations and substitutions. The Commission’s role as an impartial umpire demands that it prioritise legal compliance over any partisan or external influence.