We have no estimates for direct primaries -INEC Chairman

The Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, has said that the Commission has not placed any cost on the conduct of direct primaries.

He disclosed this while briefing journalists after a closed-door meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations, on Thursday.

According to him, “INEC did not come up with any cost for the conduct of primaries per political parties by the direct method.

“We have had very good discussions with the committee on Appropriation of the National Assembly under the resolution of the House and what we discussed you will not hear from me. Maybe, the chairman of the committee will tell you.”

When asked about the cost of the 2023 elections as well as the direct and indirect primaries he said, it will be known once the budget is finalised.

He added: “This one I discussed with the committee. The committee may wish to tell you.”

On the rejection of the Electoral Act (Amended) he said: “Really? I am hearing it for the first time”.

On his part, the Chairman, House Committee on Appropriations, Mukhtar Betara, said: “In our discussions with the INEC Chairman, we wanted to know his requirements for the 2023 elections as well as the cost of direct or indirect Primaries.”