The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has reminded political parties that it would not allow party primaries beyond June 4th 2022.
The INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, outreach and partnership committee, Professor Kunle Ajayi stated this at INEC and International Republican Institute-IRI engagement with political parties on women participation in primaries for 2023 general election.
Professor Ajayi remarked that the Eighteen registered political parties that would participate in the general election have been given election time to conduct their party primaries ahead of the general election and would not tolerate late conduct of the primaries.
“INEC is not ready to listen to any excuse that will be contrary to the electoral act,” he said.
Professor Ajayi enjoined women to come all out and take their rightful position in Nigeria political scheme.
Earlier, Mrs. Dorathy Bello, Acting Director, Gender and Inclusivity of INEC noted that INEC has provided a level playing ground for the women to participate in politics.
She regretted that women constituted fifty percent of Nigeria population but only ten percent were interested in political participation.
‘’We have the hope that this meeting will serve as a motivating factor for the women to take the Bull by the Horn and take their rightful position in Nigeria politics,’’ she said.
She urged the women to shun any negative tendencies that inhabit women from participating in politics and challenge men in the 2023 general election.
A female presidential aspirant from the African Democratic Party-ADP, Joyce Nsaka appealed to Nigerians to support women massively in the forth coming general election in Nigeria as women were now more prepared in political participation than ever.
“We have come out as women now and with every hope that things will turn around this time,” she remarked.
Nsaka who was very hopeful in her ambition said that if she is voted into power, she would focus on job creation, unite Nigerians the more, fight insecurity, improve educational standard and many more.
The meeting attracted some leaders of political parties, some presidential aspirants and INEC officials.
Nnenna.O
