The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has Charged political parties in the country to adhere strictly to the principles of internal democracy.

INEC gave this charge in a statement signed by its National Commissioner, and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye.

The electoral body insists all political parties must draw “From their constitutions, guidelines, the Electoral Act and other Regulations and Guidelines issued by the Commission.”

According to INEC political parties must ensure that “Their candidates for the 1,491 constituencies for which elections will be conducted in 2023 must emerge from democratic, transparent and valid primaries, in line with the provisions of Sections 29 and 84 of the Electoral Act, 2022.

“Where a political party fails to comply with the provisions of the Act in the conduct of its primaries, its candidate shall not be included in the election for the particular position in issue,” the electoral body warned.

INEC also promised to “Monitor the primaries of each political party that provides the required legal notice in line with Sections 82 (1) and (5) of the Electoral Act.

It adds that “Failure of a political party to notify the Commission of any convention or congress convened for the purpose of nominating candidates for any of the elective offices specified in the Act shall render the convention or congress invalid.