CLO Urges Political Parties to Ensure Credible, Transparent Primaries Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) has called on all political parties preparing for the 2027 general elections to strengthen internal democracy by conducting credible, transparent and violence-free primary elections.

The Chairman of CLO in Anambra State, Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme, made the appeal in Enugu on Tuesday, stressing that party primaries remain the foundation of any legitimate electoral process and must not be compromised by manipulation or imposition of candidates.

According to him, “credible primaries are the foundation of legitimate elections devoid of manipulation, exclusion, favoritism, godfatherism and violence.” He warned that poor conduct of party primaries undermines public confidence in democratic institutions and weakens governance outcomes.

Ezekwueme urged party leaders and members to reject vote buying, intimidation, nepotism and imposition of candidates, insisting that “without free, fair and credible primary elections, there will be no credible general elections.”

He also cautioned against the practice of endorsing “anointed candidates” while still selling nomination forms to other aspirants, describing it as unjust and capable of triggering internal crises within political parties.

The CLO chairman further argued that credible primaries would reduce post-election disputes, litigation, and anti-party activities, adding that “when a politician is convinced he lost in a free and fair contest, he will accept it in good faith.”

He called on political parties to reduce the cost of nomination forms and campaign expenses, warning that excessive costs discourage participation and weaken democratic inclusion ahead of the 2027 polls.