Scrapping Indirect Primaries Seen as Key to Fighting Money Politics

Clement Jimbo, member of the House of Representatives representing Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency, has defended the removal of indirect primaries in the 2026 Electoral Act, arguing that it will reduce money-driven politics in Nigeria.

In an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Jimbo stated that indirect primaries previously allowed a small number of delegates to select party candidates, giving undue influence to wealthy individuals who could “buy votes.”

He explained that the amendment ensures that party members directly participate in selecting candidates, either through consensus or direct primaries. Jimbo emphasized that the change restores the democratic principle of government “of the people, by the people, and for the people.”

The lawmaker urged Nigerians to applaud the National Assembly for the reform, which he said prioritizes broader participation in candidate selection and strengthens the integrity of the electoral process. The Act also includes provisions for electronic transmission of results, with manual backups in place in case of technical failures. President Bola Tinubu signed the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill 2026 into law.