Editorial: Primaries must reflect the will of party members

As political parties across Nigeria prepare for another round of primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections, there is an urgent need for party leaders and aspirants to embrace fairness, transparency and internal democracy. The quality of a nation’s democratic process is often determined long before the general election. It begins with how political parties choose their candidates.

Over the years, party primaries in Nigeria have too often been characterised by imposition, vote buying, intimidation, violence and endless litigation. In many cases, the wishes of ordinary party members are ignored while powerful interests determine outcomes behind closed doors. Such practices weaken democracy and breed resentment within parties. They also contribute to voter apathy because citizens eventually lose confidence in a process that appears manipulated from the outset.

It is therefore encouraging that President Bola Tinubu recently advised members of the ruling All Progressives Congress to avoid adopting a do-or-die attitude in the pursuit of political ambition. That warning is timely and necessary. Politics should never become a battlefield where desperation overrides decency, law and democratic values.

The President’s admonition should not be seen as mere rhetoric. It must translate into concrete action by party leaders at all levels. Delegates must be allowed to vote freely without coercion. Security agencies must remain neutral and professional. Electoral committees within the parties must operate transparently and resist manipulation. Aspirants who lose fairly should also demonstrate sportsmanship instead of sponsoring violence or destabilising their parties.

The opposition parties have an equally important responsibility. Parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party, the Labour Party and the African Democratic Congress must avoid the temptation of imposing candidates or conducting shadowy consensus arrangements that alienate members. Internal democracy cannot be selectively demanded only when it is politically convenient.

Nigeria’s democracy has matured over the years, but the country still struggles with the culture of political desperation. Too many politicians see public office as a personal entitlement rather than an opportunity for service. This mentality fuels bitterness during primaries and often leads to defections, court disputes and fractured party structures. In some instances, violence during party contests has resulted in injuries and loss of lives. Such outcomes are unacceptable in a democratic society.

Political parties must remember that credible primaries strengthen their chances during the general election. Candidates who emerge through transparent processes are more likely to enjoy legitimacy and grassroots support. Conversely, candidates produced through manipulation often face rebellion within their own ranks.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, also has a critical role to play. Although parties are largely responsible for their internal processes, INEC must continue to monitor primaries closely and insist on compliance with electoral laws and party constitutions. Civil society organisations and the media should equally remain vigilant and expose abuses wherever they occur.

Ultimately, democracy cannot flourish where internal party processes are flawed. Nigerians deserve a political culture where merit, competence and popular support determine electoral outcomes rather than money, intimidation or godfatherism.

As the political season gathers momentum, all parties must recognise that peaceful and credible primaries are not merely internal affairs. They are a national responsibility. The tone set during the primaries will significantly shape the conduct of the general elections and the stability of the country thereafter.

Nigeria cannot afford another cycle of bitter and divisive politics. The time has come for political actors to place national interest above personal ambition and prove that democracy within the parties is not an illusion, but a genuine commitment.