Nigerian political parties are very far from being in battle order, with the approach of the presidential election to be held in February 2023. The majority party, the ruling Progressives Congress (APC) and the Democratic Party (PDP) in the opposition, normally have until June 3 to organize these primaries. But the terms of the vote are still unclear and the dates are also subject to caution.
With our correspondent in Lagos, Liza Fabbian
The large number of candidates and the internal intrigues seem to jeopardize the holding of the presidential primaries, scheduled for next weekend.
This Saturday, the opposition was to launch the primaries in particular to designate its future regional elected officials and the candidates for the posts of governor, but the process was finally delayed.
For lack of consensus, some states are registering dozens of candidates for a single governorship, creating strong tensions, especially in regions that are not in the hands of the DPP.
These delays may well complicate the timely holding of the primaries to designate the candidates for the presidency. Those of the PDP are set for next Saturday, and those of the APC on Sunday.
The deadline is normally set for June 3, but voices have been raised recently to ask for an adjustment of the electoral calendar and an additional delay.
To make matters worse, President Muhammadu Buhari also seems to be slow to approve an amendment to the electoral law aimed at clarifying the terms of these primaries, further adding to the confusion.