A founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Osita Okechukwu, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to make the conduct of free, fair and credible elections its top priority ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Okechukwu made the call while reacting to recent remarks by INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, who urged political parties to embrace internal democracy during a courtesy visit to former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, in Minna, Niger State.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the APC stalwart acknowledged the importance of internal democracy but argued that political parties would only fully respect democratic principles when they are confident that elections would be transparent and reflect the true will of the people.
“Whereas one agrees with the Chairman that strict observance of internal democracy within political parties is of paramount importance; the greatest incentive for political parties to uphold internal democracy is the consistent conduct of free, fair and transparent elections by INEC,” Okechukwu stated.
According to him, political leaders are more likely to present popular candidates and respect the wishes of party members when they know that election outcomes cannot be manipulated.
“Political party leaders will do everything within the ambit of the law to keep their houses in order and present the most acceptable and popular candidates when they are confident that elections will be free and fair,” he said.
He warned that where elections are perceived to lack credibility, internal party disputes and political impunity are more likely to flourish.
Okechukwu also dismissed allegations by some opposition parties that INEC is biased in favour of the ruling APC, insisting that the party equally stands to benefit from transparent and credible elections.
“Certainly not. I dismiss the handgun allegation; APC needs free and fair elections, not only for legitimacy with our 31 state governors, but for the genuine growth of our fledgling democracy and overall good governance,” he added.
As political activities gradually intensify ahead of 2027, Okechukwu maintained that credible elections remain the strongest foundation for strengthening Nigeria’s democracy and restoring public confidence in the electoral process.
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