19 Out Of 22 Political Parties Conduct Primaries In Oyo – INEC REC, Tella • Reveals Parties With No Primary Record
...Records Massive Youth Turnout In Voter Registration In Oyo
By Seth Omotade, Ibadan
The Independent National Electoral Commission in Oyo State has called on political parties and political actors to embrace transparency, internal democracy and peaceful conduct as the state gradually prepares for the 2027 general elections.
The appeal was made by the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Professor Rahman Adeniran Tella, during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the INEC headquarters in the state, Agodi, Ibadan.
The meeting was to review the recently concluded political parties’ primaries and assess the ongoing third and final phase of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
Newsarena.ng reports that meeting brought together representatives of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, traditional and religious leaders, political party executives, security agencies, civil society organisations, youth groups, market associations, the media and other election stakeholders.
Addressing participants at the gathering, Tella described the period as a critical stage in the electoral process, saying all stakeholders must work collectively to ensure the conduct of free, fair and credible elections in Oyo State.
He explained that the commission monitored the political parties’ primaries in line with the Electoral Act and the guidelines issued by INEC, noting that the exercise commenced on May 16 and ended on May 30, 2026.
According to him, 22 political parties are currently registered in the state.
They include Accord, Action Alliance, Action Democratic Party, Action Peoples Party, African Action Congress, African Democratic Congress, All Progressives Congress, Allied Peoples Movement, Boot Party, Democratic Leadership Alliance, Labour Party, National Democratic Party, National Rescue Movement, New Nigeria Peoples Party, Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, Peoples Redemption Party, Social Democratic Party, Young Progressive Party, Youth Party and Zenith Labour Party.
The REC, however, disclosed that only 19 political parties conducted primaries and produced candidates for the governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly elections.
He added that Democratic Leadership Alliance, Boot Party and Youth Party did not conduct primaries within the stipulated period.
While commending many of the parties for complying with laid-down procedures during the nomination process, Prof. Tella noted that there were still concerns regarding internal democracy in some parties.
According to him, transparency, inclusiveness and fairness in the nomination of candidates remain essential ingredients for credible elections.
“Internal party democracy remains a critical component of credible elections. Political parties must continue to ensure transparency, fairness, inclusiveness and adherence to their constitutions and guidelines during the nomination of candidates,” he said.
The REC also appreciated the cooperation received from political parties and security agencies throughout the monitoring process, adding that political disagreements should be resolved through lawful means rather than actions capable of threatening public confidence in the electoral system.
He stressed that INEC does not organize party primaries but only supervises and regulates them in line with the law.
Prof. Tella said, “Where the rules of a party were flagrantly violated, particularly where the party itself reported a dispute, we have taken note. Our role is to ensure that only validly nominated candidates emerge.”
He urged aggrieved stakeholders to make use of internal dispute resolution mechanisms and the courts where necessary.
The REC further appealed to political parties to reconcile aggrieved members after their primaries to avoid prolonged crises ahead of the 2027 elections.
“A fractured primary leads to a chaotic general election. Let us learn lessons and commit to transparency in the lead-up to 2027,” he added.
Speaking on the ongoing third and final phase of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise, Prof. Tella described the exercise as a major electoral process designed to widen participation and ensure that every eligible citizen is given the opportunity to vote.
He said the exercise, which started on May 11, 2026, is currently taking place across the 315 registration areas in Oyo State and will end on July 10, 2026.
The REC disclosed that the exercise had continued to record a large turnout across the state, especially among young people.
According to him, youths account for nearly 70 per cent of the new registrants captured so far in the ongoing exercise.
He described the development as a positive sign for the country’s democracy, noting that it showed growing political awareness and participation among young Nigerians.
Prof. Tella urged eligible residents who were yet to register to take advantage of the exercise before the deadline.
He also encouraged those who had registered to ensure they collect their Permanent Voter Cards, stressing that the PVC remains the only requirement for participation during elections.
The REC further advised citizens not only to register but to actively participate in the electoral process by coming out to vote during the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the exercise also provides opportunities for transfer of voter details, correction of personal information and replacement of lost or damaged voter cards.
Among those who attended were Col. M. L. Williams of the Nigerian Army, ACP Onubumi Agara of the Nigeria Police Force, A. A. Adesimon of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Adeoye N.O. of the Federal Fire Service, and Ojo Adebayo of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The participants reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the electoral process through professionalism and effective inter-agency cooperation focused on maintaining security, promoting voter confidence, and ensuring peaceful participation in the electoral process.
