By The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Mahmood Yakubu will appear before the House of Representatives to answer questions on the cost implications of conducting direct primaries by political parties in the country.
The invitation followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by the lawmaker representing Yagba East/Yagba West/Mopa-Muro Federal Constituency of Kogi State, Rep. Leke Abejide during plenary on Thursday.
The INEC chairman is expected to clear the air on the matter before the Committees on Appropriations and Electoral Matters.
While moving the motion, Abejide made mention of unconfirmed reports that over N500billion would be spent by political parties to conduct direct primaries ahead of the 2023 general elections.
From all indications, the cost implication is said to be a deciding factor in the fate of the Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill 2021 still awaiting the assent of President Muhammadu Buhari.
The lawmaker drew the attention of the Green Chamber to the need for INEC to clarify the situation being the umpire responsible for the supervision of both primaries of political parties and the main polls.
“We all know the importance of direct primaries. Some people say it will cost N500bn. This is mere speculation because the cost of direct primaries may be within the budget of INEC,” he said.
Abejide noted that the best time to invite Yakubu would be now that the 2022 budget was still pending before the National Assembly.
