Aliyu Machika
9 February 2007
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), yesterday faulted the primary elections conducted by parties in the country, saying the commission was not satisfied.
Speaking when he met the American Ambassador in Nigeria, John Campbell yesterday in Abuja, the chairman of the commission, Prof. Maurice Iwu, said the manner in which the primaries of the political parties were conducted makes the commission unsatisfied with the outcome of the results.
Though the chairman attributed the failure in the conduct of the primaries to lack of adequate time given to the parties for the exercise, he equally expressed happiness for the peaceful conduct of the primaries.
"There are weaknesses in the primaries conducted by the political parties which we believe have to do with the shortage of time that made the parties rush the exercise," he said.
According to him, political parties should know that election is a process which does not just happen in one day, adding that they too must understand the process to make it better next time.
He however charged parties to ensure that they protect every right of all Nigerian citizens.
Meanwhile, the INEC chairman, Prof. Iwu has disclosed that the commission will disburse fund meant for the parties next week.
The sum of about N412 million naira expected to be released to the 50 registered political parties that is equally expected to be shared equally according to the court's ruling.
When shared, each party will take home approximately N8million. The money when released will be used by the parties to start preparations for the April polls as the election draws near.
"INEC has accepted the court's verdict which ruled in favour of the parties. And we will by next week, release their funds by issuing cheques to the parties," Prof. Iwu confirmed.
But because this time the issue was taken to court, payments will be made through the legal councils of the various parties, according to the commission.
Responding, the American Ambassador to Nigeria, John Campbell, commended INEC on its activities and efforts to provide Nigerians with relevant information that will assist in a successful election.
"The success of Nigeria's elections will be her contributions to the regional security of the international community," he added.
He therefore pledged to give INEC all the necessary assistance as part of his country's effort to have a successful and acceptable election in the April polls.
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