Ward Congresses and Primaries as Legal Tools For Deepening Democracy In Nigeria

Abstract

 This paper examines the state of ward congresses and primaries in Nigeria and how this can be used as a legal tool to deepen democracy in Nigeria. It finds that the ward congresses and primaries are far from democratic despite the fact that there are standard procedures usually spelt out in the Guidelines for Primaries and approved by the National Executive Committees of the political parties and the legislative intervention as contained in section 87(9) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended). The paper recommends that the best way to go in deepening our democracy is to ensure the sanctity of delegates’ lists for ward congresses and primaries. It also recommends the enactment of guidelines for congresses and primaries into the Electoral Act, and the criminalisation of malpractices relating thereto by the legislation. It further recommends that it should be mandatory for pre-election matters relating to congresses and primaries to be concluded before general elections.