Connect with us

Nigeria

ANALYSIS: Direct Primaries for Political Parties May Be A Step Towards 1993 Electoral Model

Published

5 years ago

on

Last week, the National Assembly passed the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, making it compulsory for all political parties to conduct their primaries using the direct method.

Direct electoral method is not new to Nigeria, and in fact, it has been said to have been adopted in the most credible election in Nigeria, which is the 1993 election.

According to African Election Database, Moshood Abiola of the then Social Democratic Party (SDP) garnered a total vote of 8,341,309 making 58.36% while Bashir Tofa of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC) garnered a total vote of 5,952,087 making 41.64% of the election results.

Despite the alleged irregularities by the then military government led by Ibrahim Babangida, electoral observers at the national and international levels had posited that the election was the most credible election Nigeria ever had.

The model was also tested in the Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in 2018. The primary actually halted the second-term ambition of the then governor Akinwumi Ambode in the state.

Although one of the current challenges facing electoral process in Nigeria is vote-buying but direct electoral method will in the long run build electoral loyalty towards the party or candidate any electorate swore allegiance to in the secret. It may further dissuade electorate from collecting money from politicians if they know they’ll not vote for them.

Direct primary at the party level will also serve as popularity test for anyone contesting at the party level, such as we have seen in the case of former governor Ambode of Lagos in 2018.

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo had said last week that many of the National Assembly members believed the best way for them to win re-election was by the direct primary method, which would not be easily manipulated by their state governors.

“The reason (for the endorsement of direct primaries by the National Assembly) as it emerged from our discussions at the tripartite committee was that some legislators felt that party congresses had been completely taken over by state governments, and other legislators, as stakeholders, stood no chance of a fair contest in the primaries if all potential delegates and actors have already been spoken for,” Osinbajo said.

INEC Duties Expanded

No doubt, the introduction of direct primaries at the political parties will expand the responsibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

On November 15, the Commission was reported to have said that it may be forced to use serving members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to monitor direct primaries of political parties across the country if President Muhammadu Buhari signs the Electoral Act Amendment Bill into law.

The electoral umpire maintained that this is due to a large number of personnel that will be needed to monitor the direct primaries across the 8,809 wards in the 36 states of the country and the Federal Capital Territory.

This was disclosed by the INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, in a chat with journalists.

Okoye added that it would be premature to speculate since the President had not yet signed the bill, adding that certain factors would be considered.

He admitted that the staff requirements for primaries would “change if the President assents to the bill.”

The INEC spokesman said some political parties might consider conducting primaries at the ward level, while others might use the local governments or senatorial districts as the criteria for primaries

Responding to a question, Okoye said, “Some parties may adopt the 8,809 registration areas (wards) of the commission for their primaries. Some may use the 774 LGAs for their primaries. Some may cluster their primaries around the senatorial districts.

“Some may use the state capitals and have a differential period when people from a particular local government area can vote. These things will be set out in the guidelines that will be designed by the parties and filed with the commission at least 14 days before the conduct of the primaries.

“When the bill is signed into law, the commission will meet and take a position on how to proceed with each strand and segment of the process. We may use our staff members for some of the primaries. We may use lecturers of federal tertiary institutions for some. We may use staff members of federal agencies and commissions, and we may use corps members. It depends on the tract designed and submitted by the parties.”

The commission, according to its 2019 project plan, hired about 2.7 million ad hoc officials for the general elections, many of whom were corps members.

The document showed that N630m was spent on monitoring political party congresses and primaries in 2018. About N104.8m was spent on monitoring governorship, senatorial, state constituency and federal constituency primaries, while the presidential primary cost N27.8m.

Criticism and Countered Criticism

The Peoples Democratic Party and the governors of the All Progressives Congress have rejected the provision for direct primaries, while the National Assembly remains adamant.

The bill is expected to be transmitted to Buhari this week for assent upon his return from South Africa. However, governors have begun making moves to ensure that he does not sign it.

But the House of Representatives and some senators have threatened to veto the President if he fails to sign the bill within 30 days.

Also, political parties under the aegis of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), have again kicked against the use of direct primaries

The National Publicity Secretary of IPAC, Major Agbo, said that it could affect smaller parties, which did not have the finances.

He said, “The passage of the Electoral Act due to pressure from the electorate is a welcome development. The wishes and aspirations of Nigerians prevailed at last even though they tried to scuttle it initially.

“However, the inclusion of the clause on direct primaries is meant to stifle smaller parties without resources. The resources required to mobilise all party members for the primaries are enormous and will effectively put the smaller parties in difficulty, especially as the parties do not receive any funding from the government as tenable in other climes.

“This is not healthy for our democracy as it gives undue advantage to the bigger parties at the expense of the smaller ones. Nigerians should insist that this clause be removed before the bill is assented to.”

 

 

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Education

Professor Josephine Onyido Earns Prestigious Nigerian Academy of Education Induction

Published

1 week ago

on

September 26, 2026

By

University of Port Harcourt scholar will be inducted into Nigeria’s apex education academy in Abuja, marking another milestone in a career spanning teaching, research, leadership, mentorship and advocacy

HOUSTON, TEXAS — Professor Josephine Azuka Onyido, an accomplished scholar and academic leader at the University of Port Harcourt, will be inducted into the Nigerian Academy of Education on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, in recognition of her contributions to the advancement of education.

The ceremony, scheduled for the Conference Hall of the National Commission for Colleges of Education in Abuja, places Onyido among scholars recognized for sustained contributions to education, research, and academic development in Nigeria.

A Professor in the Department of Educational Foundations at the University of Port Harcourt, Onyido has built a career encompassing teaching, research, administration, mentorship, curriculum development, and institutional service.

She described the forthcoming recognition as both an honor and a renewed obligation to education. “I receive this recognition with profound gratitude and humility. My journey in education has always been driven by the belief that scholarship must extend beyond the classroom and contribute meaningfully to society. This induction is not simply a personal achievement; it strengthens my responsibility to continue advancing quality education, mentoring future scholars, and promoting opportunities for women and girls. I am deeply grateful to my family, colleagues, students, and everyone who has been part of this journey.”

Onyido earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education (English), a Master of Education, and a Ph.D. in Sociology of Education. She is also a permanent member of the University of Port Harcourt Senate. Her scholarly record includes more than 90 journal articles, book chapters and Sociology of Education Made Easy, a textbook developed to make concepts in the discipline more accessible to students.

Much of her research examines the intersection of education and society, with particular emphasis on gender, women’s empowerment, educational development, social justice and the rights of women and girls. Her work advocates translating academic research into policies and practices that expand educational opportunities and strengthen human-capital development.

Beyond research, Onyido has occupied several academic leadership positions. She served as Acting Head of the Department of Educational Foundations from 2021 to 2023 and has worked as the Departmental Coordinator of Postgraduate Programs, the Anti-Plagiarism Coordinator, the Academic Adviser, and the Editor of the Port Harcourt Journal of Education Studies.

Her influence also extends beyond her university. She has served as an external examiner for several institutions and has participated as a resource person for the National Teachers’ Institute, the University of Port Harcourt, the Centers for Higher Education and Sandwich Programs, and the National Universities Commission verification exercise.

Internationally, Onyido represented the Niger Delta Development Commission at the African Women in Leadership Conference in Kigali, Rwanda, expanding her engagement with issues of women’s leadership, empowerment, and social transformation.

She belongs to several professional organizations, including the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, the Association of Sociologists of Education of Nigeria, and the International Association for Gender Equity.

Her academic and community work have earned numerous recognitions, including the Millennium Development Ambassador Award, Lecturer of the Year, Outstanding Project Supervisor, and Professional Service awards.

Yet Onyido’s story also reaches deeply into heritage and service. She is the great-great-granddaughter of King Josiah Constance Ockiya, MINGI VII, Amanyanabo of Nembe Kingdom and Supreme King of Brass. Her great-grandfather, Rev. Daniel Ockiya, translated the Bible into the Nembe language.

A committed Catholic and Jerusalem pilgrim, she has also served in church and community leadership positions and was recognized by the Catholic Women Organization of the Port Harcourt Diocese as a “Quintessential Woman.”

For Onyido, the November 4 induction represents more than another distinction on an extensive academic résumé. It recognizes a career built around an enduring principle: education achieves its greatest value when knowledge is transformed into opportunity, service, and social progress.

Continue Reading

Houston

PCNI Elevates Chief Dr. Emmanuel Opara to Patron in Historic Ihiagwa Investiture

Published

1 week ago

on

September 26, 2026

By

Sugar Land People’s Club leaders celebrate their First Vice Chairman’s December 22 investiture, describing the honor as recognition of leadership, scholarship, service, and commitment to the enduring ideals of the People’s Club

HOUSTON, TEXAS — All roads will lead to Ihiagwa, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, on December 22, 2026, as members, associates, and well-wishers of People’s Club of Nigeria International gather for the Patronship Investiture of Hon. Chief Dr. Emmanuel Uzoma Opara, First Vice Chairman of the Sugar Land People’s Club of Nigeria International (SLPCNI).

The ceremony will mark another milestone for the Sugar Land branch, historically recognized within the organization as its First International Branch, and will elevate one of its senior officers into the distinguished circle of PCNI patrons.

Since its inception in 1971, the People’s Club of Nigeria has developed into an international social and philanthropic organization with branches in Nigeria, the United States, and Europe. Its tradition emphasizes fellowship, community service, and the principles of Love, Unity, and Service.

Within that tradition, patronship carries significance beyond a ceremonial title. Patrons are expected to serve as senior advisers, custodians of institutional values, and respected voices in sustaining the organization’s heritage and direction. The recognition is traditionally associated with sustained service, leadership, and commitment to the Club and society.

For Opara, the honor also recognizes a professional life extending far beyond community leadership.

An academic and technology specialist, Opara’s scholarly interests span cybersecurity, digital and media forensics, artificial intelligence, and Agentic AI. His research includes digital forensic investigation, incident response and threat analysis, memory analysis, advanced-adversary containment and intrusion detection, including applications of Python programming.

His work also engages with memory forensics and investigative technologies, as well as the offensive and defensive dimensions of cybersecurity, commonly characterized as Red Team and Blue Team operations.

Opara is a Fellow of the International Information Management Association (FIIMA) and serves as an Associate Editor of the Journal of International Technology and Information Management (JITIM).

Reflecting on the forthcoming investiture, Opara described the recognition as a responsibility rather than simply another distinction.

“I receive this honor with profound gratitude and humility. Patronship represents a responsibility to protect the values that have sustained People’s Club for generations: love, unity, service, and genuine fellowship. Whatever we achieve professionally becomes more meaningful when we use our knowledge, experience, and resources to strengthen our communities and create opportunities for others. I look forward to serving the Club at an even greater level.”

Grand Patron of SLPCNI, Hon. Ide Obinna Nnanyelugo Mbachu, said Opara’s elevation reflects the leadership qualities expected of those entrusted with preserving the organization’s legacy. “Chief Dr. Opara represents the combination of intellectual accomplishment, community service, and organizational commitment that the People’s Club should continue to encourage. Patronship is not merely about recognition; it carries an obligation to guide, support and protect the institution. We are proud that another leader from our Sugar Land family has earned this important honor.”

Hon. Prof. Chris Ulasi, Group Chairman of SLPCNI, said the investiture demonstrates the depth of leadership within the Sugar Land branch. “This is a proud moment for Sugar Land People’s Club. Chief Dr. Opara has distinguished himself through service, scholarship, and dedication to our organization. His investiture strengthens our branch while reinforcing our connection to the national and international People’s Club family. We congratulate him and look forward to celebrating with him in Ihiagwa.”

The December gathering is expected to draw PCNI leaders, patrons, members, family, friends, and community representatives from Nigeria and abroad. Beyond the pageantry of the ceremony, however, Opara’s investiture carries a broader institutional message: leadership within the People’s Club is ultimately measured by service.

On December 22, Ihiagwa will host the celebration. But for Sugar Land, the occasion will also be a celebration of one of its own—a scholar, technology professional, and community leader entering a new chapter of responsibility in the People’s Club tradition.

Continue Reading

Houston

Membership Surge Continues as Dr. Nkem Ugwu Joins People’s Club

Published

2 weeks ago

on

September 20, 2026

By

Following a successful induction ceremony, the First International Branch continues to attract new members drawn to its tradition of friendship, service, culture, and community

SUGAR LAND, TEXAS — The Sugar Land People’s Club of Nigeria International (SLPCNI) is continuing its membership expansion following its recently concluded induction ceremony, with Dr. Nkem Ugwu becoming one of the latest community members to join the organization.

Ugwu, a Sugar Land resident originally from Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria, is an entrepreneur and mother of three sons, a mother-in-law, and a grandmother. She describes service to others, family, and community engagement as important parts of her personal and professional life.

Grand Patron Ide Obinna Nnanyelugo Mbachu addressing the September Conference of the Sugar Land PCNI

Her membership comes on the heels of the branch’s successful bi-annual induction ceremony, during which 16 new members were formally sworn in by PCNI National President Atty. Fidelis Onyebueke. The celebration attracted national leaders, patrons, and members representing branches from across the People’s Club network.

Photo from left: Hon. Chief Sir Michael Okeke; Hon. Anaeto Okakpu “Oranwezuluaku”; Grand Patron Ide Obinna Nnanyelugo Mbachu; Hon. Dr. Nkem Ugwu ; Hon. Prof. Chris Ulasi, Group Chairman; Hon. Chief, Sir Basil Mbuba; Hon. Chief Sir Dr. Uche Egbuchuam “Akudo World Wide.”

Ugwu said joining the organization provides an opportunity to develop meaningful relationships while contributing to its mission.

“I am truly excited and honored to join the prestigious People’s Club of Nigeria International, Sugar Land Branch. I look forward to getting to know fellow members, building lasting friendships, and becoming actively involved in this vibrant and welcoming community. I am especially drawn to the Club’s tradition of fellowship, service, and mutual support, and I hope to contribute my experience, energy, and passion for serving others to its continued growth.”

Grand Patron Ide Obinna Nnanyelugo Mbachu welcomed Ugwu, describing continued interest in membership as encouraging for the historic First International Branch.

Membership Chairperson Hon. Chief Udoji Achebe and Hon. Ndidi Chidume

“When people of accomplishment and community spirit continue to identify with our organization, it tells us that the values upon which People’s Club was built remain relevant. We welcome Dr. Ugwu and look forward to the experience and fellowship she brings to our family.”

Hon. Prof. Chris Ulasi, Group Chairman, said the branch’s recent induction helped showcase an organization that continues to combine Nigerian cultural heritage with community engagement in Houston.

“Our successful induction created tremendous enthusiasm, but our focus goes beyond ceremonies. We are building a stronger organization rooted in friendship, responsibility and service. Dr. Ugwu’s decision to join reflects that continuing momentum.”

One of the meeting hosts, Hon. Professor Keih George, introduces the co-meeting hosts.

Membership Chairperson Hon. Chief Udoji Achebe said the branch remains interested in individuals prepared to participate actively in its programs and fellowship.

“Membership is about belonging, but it is equally about participation and contribution. We are delighted to welcome Dr. Ugwu and other prospective members who share the principles and aspirations of People’s Club.”

For SLPCNI, the growing interest following its induction represents another chapter in the evolution of a branch with a special place in the organization’s history.

And for Ugwu, it marks the beginning of a new journey—one centered on friendship, community, and service.

Continue Reading

Trending