INEC To Blacklist Political Parties Over Violent Congress, Primaries

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it will blacklist political parties that are unable to conduct peaceful congresses and primaries.

The electoral body disclosed this in a statement made available on its verified Twitter on Monday, adding that it might not acknowledge the result of violent congresses if the trend continues.

The statement which was signed by the Commission spokesperson, Festus Okoye, was titled, ‘Conduct of Acrimonious Congress and Primaries by Political Parties’

READ ALSO: Ebonyi 2023: INEC Begins Training of Electoral Officers

“This Commission will not stand askance and watch party conventions and congresses degenerate into farcical rituals and violent fiascos that threaten lives and destroy property.

“For the avoidance of doubt, INEC will henceforth reconsider its involvement in these events, should they continue to put the lives of members of the public and staff of the Commission at risk,” the statement read in part.

It further read that, “Henceforth, there will be far-reaching consequences in any situation where party congresses and conventions degenerate into violence and destruction of INEC property. Apart from replacing such destroyed materials, parties may be blacklisted from the receipt of INEC materials for their activities in the future.

“The Commission may also withdraw its staff from monitoring such violent political party meetings, with the resultant non-recognition of their outcomes.”

PRESS RELEASE
Conduct of Acrimonious Congresses and Primaries by Political Parties pic.twitter.com/wWM6cXgIFr

— INEC Nigeria (@inecnigeria) April 19, 2021