Public Policy Expert Chibuzor Okereke has raised concerns over a critical gap in Nigeria’s Electoral Act 2026, stating that Section 77, which provides for the use of party membership registers during primaries, remains merely advisory rather than mandatory. Speaking in a recent interview, Okereke noted that while the provision encourages political parties to rely on verified membership lists, it fails to impose any legal obligation or sanctions for non-compliance, thereby weakening its effectiveness.
He explained that the absence of enforceability creates room for political parties to adopt alternative methods that may lack transparency and credibility. According to him, without a binding requirement to use authentic membership registers, the integrity of party primaries is at risk, as processes can easily be manipulated, especially where proper records of party members are either unavailable or deliberately ignored.
Okereke further emphasized that the lack of punitive measures undermines regulatory oversight and limits the ability of electoral authorities to ensure compliance. He warned that this loophole could ultimately affect the credibility of candidates emerging from such primaries, stressing the need for stronger legal provisions that enforce accountability and promote genuine democratic participation within political parties.
