INEC: Only one political party has disclosed election expenses (updated)

Of the 73 political parties that participated in the 2019 general election, only one disclosed its election expenses as required by the law.

Mahmood Yakubu, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), disclosed this at the commission’s meeting with party leaders in Abuja on Monday.

He, however, did not reveal the name of the party.

The electoral act requires political parties to submit to INEC audited returns of their expenses during the elections as well material contributions received from individuals and corporate bodies.

While details of the expenses are to be submitted within six months of announcement of election results, the material contributions are to be disclosed within three months.

Yakubu, however, said no political parties has submitted details of the material contributions it received.

“We wish to remind leaders of political parties of their obligations under the law,” Yakubu said.

Yakubu said the meeting is part of the commission’s efforts as reviewing the conduct of the elections to ensure reforms.

He said: “The conduct of party primaries and nomination of candidates for the 2019 general election was indeed very acrimonious resulting in a number of court cases on the participation or otherwise of political parties and candidates in elections in many constituencies.

“This has made the management of electoral logistics and post-election litigation more challenging to the commission.”

“At the moment, there are 809 cases challenging the conduct of primaries by political parties in regular courts across the country. This figure is more than the number of petitions challenging the conduct of the main election currently before the election petition tribunals nationwide.

“It is therefore imperative for political parties to build their capacities for internal democracy, voter mobilisation and financial procedures.”

Editor’s note: This story has been updated in view of an error of fact