EFFECTS OF DIRECT PRIMARY ELECTION IN NIGERIA: A REFLECTION OF 2019 ELECTION

Abstract

Nigeria's political history reveals a longstanding trend of electoral fraud through the indirect primary elections. This necessitates the adoption of direct primary elections, - a mini-election where a registered party members only vote for the one who will “serve” as the flag-bearer of their party. This study relies on secondary data to examine the effects of direct primary election on 2019 general election. The study established that the 2019 direct primary election was marred by crises arising from the misgivings from undemocratic conduct of primary elections that may spell political doom to the party if not effectively regulated. Weak structure and lack of internal democracy makes the process more of a political gimmick than reality as national leadership of the APC imposes their candidates on their members. The election was also characterized by fraud, corruption and violence. Consequently this study suggest that party leadership should ensure fairness and transparency in the conduct of primaries so that results can reflect the choice of a majority of the party members vis-à-vis maintain the integrity of the party.