Maurice Iwu

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission [INEC], Professor Maurice Iwu has challenged the Political Parties to be open and to conduct their their affairs in a transparent manner.
Professor Iwu who alleged last week that there was a deliberate attempt by some political parties to turn themselves into a cult, made the allegation when a delegation of the Centre For Peace Building and Socio-Economic Resources Development [CEPSERD] visited the Commission recently.
Professor Iwu lamented that the conduct of the affairs of most of the parties in secret had led to tension, rumour mongering and driven some members to the margins.
“They hold their party meetings in secret. They don’t open up and this leads to rumour mongering and tension”, he said.
The INEC boss who has persistently canvassed for Internal democracy in Nigeria’s Political Parties, charged that the engagement of the electorate should be an on-going exercise. He added that the people must be made to appreciate that democracy is not the neatest form of governance and that bickering and rancor are an integral part of it.
Professor Iwu stressed that it was through continuous intervention by the kingpins of civil society in the electoral process that the bickering would be reduced and democracy could be deepened.

By Rose Oriaran