Post-Primary Chaos Deepens as INEC Sets Deadline for Candidate Submission

Political tension is rising across party lines following the conclusion of primaries, as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) moves to enforce a strict deadline for the submission of candidates ahead of upcoming elections.

The announcement has sparked renewed urgency within political parties already grappling with internal disputes, as factions struggle to resolve disagreements over the outcomes of their primaries and the legitimacy of selected candidates.

According to election guidelines, parties are required to submit the names of their flagbearers within the stipulated timeframe or risk disqualification from participating in the polls. This development has intensified pressure on party leaderships to reconcile aggrieved aspirants and finalize their candidate lists.

Within several parties, unresolved grievances from the primaries have led to legal threats, protests, and internal negotiations. Some aspirants are challenging the conduct of the exercises, alleging irregularities and lack of transparency, while party executives insist that due process was followed.

The electoral body, Independent National Electoral Commission, maintains that the deadline is part of its efforts to ensure a smooth and credible electoral timetable ahead of the general elections in Nigeria.

Observers warn that failure to resolve internal conflicts quickly could weaken party cohesion and affect electoral performance, especially in closely contested constituencies.

As the deadline approaches, political parties are expected to intensify reconciliation efforts, with analysts predicting that the coming days will be critical in shaping the final list of candidates for the polls.