The CSOs, which described the claim as a hoax, however, provided alternative estimates in four categories that could guide the thinking of those who supported the N500bn projection.
- Electoral Act: What will guide us in replying Buhari’s letter – INEC
- Electoral Act: CSOs urges Buhari to sign Bill into law
The CSOs coalition in a statement on Monday in Abuja and signed by the Executive Director, Adopt A Goal for Development Initiative, Ariyo-Dare Atoye, and endorsed by the Centre for Liberty, Raising New Voices, Youth and Students Advocates for Development Initiative (YSAD), The Nigerian Alliance, The Art and Civics Table and Speak Out Africa Initiative, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to ignore the propaganda and sign the bill.
He said that it would cost the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) far less to organize direct primaries for the 18 political parties.
“While we are happy that INEC has favorably replied to Mr President’s request, we want to urge President Muhammadu Buhari to ignore the rumors, and distractions, and immediately sign the Electoral Act 2021 as a legacy and birthday gift to Nigerians, especially the youths.
“We are not doing the work of INEC, but as stakeholders and partners who have been consistently involved in pushing for the passage and signing of the electoral bill, we owe the public and the nation a duty to dispel the rumor of N500bn for direct primaries with alternative information.
“Our rough Projection on what INEC may be spending only on using NYSC members to monitor the direct primaries system could help to guide the thinking of those who have been deceived or may want to buy into the ridiculous figure in circulation,” Atoye said.
He also said that it is not expected that all the 18 political parties will have candidates for every position in the five categories of the general elections and will be able to conduct direct primaries in all the 8809 wards.
He said, “By our rough estimates, at N30,000 each for 17,628 NYSC monitors, participating in five primaries of 18 political parties, it will cost 47,568,600,000. At N20,000 each for 17,628 NYSC monitors, participating in five primaries of 18 political parties, it will cost 31,712,400,000.
“At N10,000 each for 17,628 NYSC monitors, participating in five primaries of 18 political parties, it will cost 15,856,200,000.
He also said that by the coalition observation, the two major parties (PDP and APC) may decide to merge their primaries and reduce it from five to two or three, just like the general elections that will be conducted on two separate dates.
Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.
