2023: INEC rejects call for extension of deadline for party primaries

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stated that the June 3 deadline for political parties’ primaries and other timelines for the 2023 election remains sacrosanct.

The Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu said this at INEC’s quarterly consultative meeting with leaders of 18 registered political parties on Tuesday in Abuja.

The INEC boss spoke as the IPAC National Chairman, Yabagi Sani, appealed to the Commission to extend the June 3 deadline for primaries for the 2023 general election till August.

Yakubu stressed that any extension in the timeline for an activity would affect other activities and put unnecessary pressure on political parties and INEC.

“This is also our first meeting since the Commission released the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2023 General Election over two months ago on Saturday, Feb. 26.

“Already, all 18 political parties have forwarded the schedules of their primaries to INEC, and some have commenced the process of choosing their candidates by conducting ward and local government congresses.

“The period earmarked for the conduct of primaries by political parties commenced on 4th April 2022 and will end 24 days from today (June 3),” Yakubu said.

“I hereby reiterate the position of the Commission that there will be no review of the timelines. There are so many inter-related activities that are associated with the timelines which must be carried out.

Yakubu urged political parties to be prepared with the timelines for primaries for presidential, governorship, national and state houses of assembly.