Seriake Dickson, National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and former Bayelsa State Governor, has strongly criticized Nigeria’s mandatory direct primary system, calling it a key source of internal party conflicts and widespread complaints across political parties. Speaking during an interview with Arise Television, Dickson argued that the inclusion of direct primaries in the Electoral Act was a legislative misstep that has undermined party autonomy and created unnecessary tensions. He emphasized that political parties should have been allowed to choose between direct and indirect primaries, rather than being forced into a single model.
Dickson pointed out that the previous delegate system provided more structure and control, resulting in fewer disputes and a more orderly candidate selection process. “We did not have this deluge of complaints under the delegated system,” he stated, highlighting that while reforms were meant to deepen democracy, they have also introduced significant logistical and administrative challenges. The current system, he noted, requires electoral bodies like INEC to manage extensive ward-level activities, a task he described as highly complex, especially for new and emerging political parties.
Under the direct primary model, multiple aspirants can independently declare victory based on their own interpretations of results, leading to parallel announcements and conflicting claims. “In a direct primary situation, people go into the field, gather supporters, declare themselves winners and begin to brandish results,” Dickson explained. This environment, he warned, fosters confusion and undermines the credibility of party primaries. He stressed that such disputes are not limited to any one party but are a systemic issue affecting political organizations nationwide.
Dickson’s remarks come amid growing concerns over the integrity and efficiency of Nigeria’s electoral processes. The direct primary system, introduced to enhance transparency and inclusivity, has instead become a flashpoint for legal battles, public protests, and internal party rifts. Critics argue that the system places undue burden on INEC and political parties, particularly those without strong organizational structures. The National Leader of the NDC believes that flexibility in candidate selection methods would better serve Nigeria’s democratic development.
As Nigeria prepares for future elections, the debate over primary systems is likely to remain central to discussions on electoral reform. Dickson’s call for a return to a more adaptable framework underscores the need for a balanced approach that promotes fairness without compromising party unity or administrative feasibility. His comments add to the growing chorus of voices urging a reevaluation of the current electoral framework to ensure smoother, more credible political processes.
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