INEC worried over parties’ violation of fiscal rules

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed concern over continued refusal by political parties to file statutory returns to the commission in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

During the quarterly meeting between the commission and political parties, yesterday, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, reminded parties of the need to furnish the commission with election expenses and contribution reports.

According to Yakubu, only seven out of 14 political parties that participated in the Edo State governorship election had complied, while only eight out of 17 that took part in the Ondo State governorship poll met the demand.

Section 86 of the 2010 Electoral Act (as amended) empowers INEC to monitor and record the activities of registered political parties in the country. Section 92 (3) of the same law also mandates political parties to submit their election expenses to the commission in a separate audited return within six months after an election.

The law places an N1 million penalty on any political party that contravenes the above section.

“The problem lies squarely with the conduct of party primaries and nomination of candidates by some political parties. We urge you to hold yourselves to the same high standard of free, fair, and credible elections that you hold INEC in all elections,” Yakubu said.

Chairman Inter-Party Advisory Council, Dr. Leonard Nzenwa, said parties are in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Examiners of Nigeria to boost capacity in screening exercises and primaries.