Youth Party Unveils Guidelines, Timetable for Primaries in Restored Constituencies

 

The Youth Party has released guidelines and a timetable for the conduct of its primary elections ahead of the 2027 General Elections in the restored constituencies in Benue, Delta, Jigawa and Kogi states.

In a press statement issued by the party, the leadership said the primaries would be conducted in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2026 (as amended), and the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The party explained that the National Executive Committee (NEC) had approved revised guidelines aimed at ensuring full compliance with electoral regulations while promoting transparency, fairness and credibility in its internal democratic processes.

According to the timetable released by the party, the sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms commenced on June 14 and will close on June 24, 2026.

Screening of aspirants and consideration of appeals arising from the screening exercise are scheduled for June 24, while the primaries and appeals arising from the exercise will hold on June 25.

The Youth Party disclosed that nomination forms for the State House of Assembly elections would cost a total of N250,000, comprising N100,000 for the Expression of Interest Form and N150,000 for the Nomination Form.

However, the party announced concessions for female aspirants, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and young aspirants below 40 years, who will pay only 50 per cent of the prescribed nomination fee.

The party stated that all payments for nomination forms must be made through a designated Zenith Bank account dedicated to the primaries.

Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms are available online through the party’s election portal.

In a move aimed at broadening participation and deepening internal democracy, the party announced that its primaries would be conducted under the One Member One Vote (OMOV) system, eliminating the use of delegates and super delegates.

It stressed that every registered party member would be entitled to vote during the primaries.

The party also revealed plans to deploy electronic voting methods, including online and SMS-based platforms, to make the process more convenient and accessible to members.

According to the statement, the electronic voting system will be secure, monitored by candidates and INEC officials, and conducted through secret balloting in compliance with legal requirements.

The Youth Party further pledged to make its guidelines, membership register and voters’ lists available to all aspirants without discrimination, describing the measure as part of efforts to guarantee transparency and equal opportunities for all contestants.

“The Party is committed to expanding the democratic space by providing a level playing field for all aspirants on its platform,” the statement said.

The party also used the opportunity to invite Nigerians interested in contesting elections under its platform or participating in the primaries as voters to register as members.

It reiterated its commitment to transparent political leadership and followership while condemning money politics, bribery, violence, repression, corruption and what it described as short-term political thinking.

Meanwhile, the party announced a mandatory membership revalidation and registration exercise in compliance with Section 77 of the Electoral Act, 2026 (Amendment).

Under the new requirement, all existing and prospective members must provide their National Identification Number (NIN) to validate or obtain membership.

The party declared that “No NIN, No Membership,” emphasizing that possession of a valid National Identification Number has become compulsory for participation in its activities.

Members were advised to complete their registration and revalidation through the party’s online registration portal, where they are expected to enter their NIN, review their details and save or print their membership slips.

The Youth Party urged all members to complete the process promptly to secure their membership status ahead of the forthcoming primaries and the 2027 General Elections.