The Independent National Electoral Commission,
INEC, yesterday said it would not monitor
Wednesday’s gubernatorial primary elections bli
Modu Sheriff-led faction of the PDP. “INEC is yet to
take a decision on that even though I learnt Alhaji
Modu Sheriff has written the Commission to say
that he intends to hold one (primary)”, Deputy
Director Public Affairs at INEC, Nick Dazang told
Vanguard yesterday.
INEC, yesterday said it would not monitor
Wednesday’s gubernatorial primary elections bli
Modu Sheriff-led faction of the PDP. “INEC is yet to
take a decision on that even though I learnt Alhaji
Modu Sheriff has written the Commission to say
that he intends to hold one (primary)”, Deputy
Director Public Affairs at INEC, Nick Dazang told
Vanguard yesterday.
He also noted that Section 85 of the Electoral Act
provides that any party that wishes to hold a
convention or primaries shall serve the Commission
a 21-day notice.
However, Dazang recalled that “the Timetable and
Schedule of Activities for the Edo Governorship
provides that primaries are to take place between
2nd June and 4th July”.
By this design, the Sheriff’s faction have fallen short
of the requirement for a 21-day notice to INEC.
Sheriff had also claimed that INEC never monitored
the primary election conducted by the Ahmed
Makarfi-led Caretaker committee which produced
Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu as its candidate for the
September polls. Dazang disputed the claim but
stated that INEC was awaiting the judgment of the
appellate court which is fixed for July 4 to enable it
know which of the factions to recognize.
He said; “Even though INEC monitored the recent
PDP primaries, it is awaiting the judgement of the
Appeal Court scheduled for 4th July.
The judgement will determine which faction the
Commission will recognize.”
