The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned that it would blacklist political parties unable to conduct peaceful congresses and primaries.
The electoral body in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Festus Okoye, on Monday, said there will be far-reaching consequences, including refusing to give them electoral materials and enforcement of payment for the ones damaged in future activities.
The statement reads partly: “This Commission will not stand askance and watch party conventions and congresses degenerate into farcical rituals and violent fiascos that threaten lives and destroy property.
“For the avoidance of doubt, INEC will henceforth reconsider its involvement in these events, should they continue to put lives of members of the public and staff of the Commission at risk.
“Henceforth, there will be far-reaching consequences in any situation where party congresses and conventions degenerate into violence and destruction of INEC property. Apart from replacing such destroyed materials, parties may be blacklisted from the receipt of INEC materials for their activities in the future.
“The Commission may also withdraw its staff from monitoring such violent political party meetings, with the resultant non-recognition of their outcomes.”
INEC’s statement follows the recent congresses of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the southwest and northwest geopolitical zones which were marred with violence, thuggery and shootings.
Meanwhile, history of past elections and congresses does not exonerate any political party in Nigeria.
