Hon. Peter Ifeanyi Uzokwe, the Young Progressives Party (YPP) member representing Nnewi North/Nnewi South/Ekwusigo Federal Constituency, has clarified a widespread misconception: INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission) is not legally required to attend all party conventions or congresses. Speaking on the floor of the House of Representatives, Uzokwe referred to Section 82 of the Electoral Act 2022, which states that INEC “may, with or without prior notice … attend and observe” party gatherings — but does not mandate their presence.
Uzokwe said the misunderstanding has led many citizens to wrongly believe that party conventions are invalid without INEC oversight. He emphasized that his intervention was motivated by concern for electoral credibility and clarity. The Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, responded by highlighting that the House is set to conduct a clause-by-clause review of proposed amendments to the Electoral Act — including the section Uzokwe cited.
The debate reflects broader tensions about electoral reforms, legal interpretation, and party accountability in Nigeria’s evolving democratic framework.
