INEC Reacts to Factional Accord Party Governorship Primary in Osun

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State has disowned reports of a factional governorship primary allegedly conducted by the Accord Party in the state.

The commission clarified that it is not aware of, nor did it monitor, any such primary election conducted by a faction of the party, stressing that only duly notified and monitored primaries are recognised under the law.

INEC’s position follows claims circulating in some quarters suggesting that a parallel primary was held by a faction within the Accord Party, purportedly producing a governorship candidate ahead of the next election cycle in Osun State.

According to the electoral body, political parties are required to formally notify INEC of their congresses and primaries within the timeframe stipulated by the Electoral Act, adding that failure to do so renders such exercises invalid.

“The commission can only recognise primaries that it was properly notified of and which it monitored,” an INEC official said, reiterating that any process conducted outside these guidelines remains unknown to the commission.

INEC further advised political parties to resolve internal disputes through lawful and constitutional means, warning that factional activities could jeopardise their participation in future elections.

The development comes amid ongoing political realignments within the Accord Party in Osun State, as stakeholders position themselves ahead of forthcoming electoral contests.