A delegate in Nigeria is a party member elected by members of a Ward for presentation at the Local, State and National levels during the Ward conference. The members of a Ward are accountable for the election of delegates at the primary elections in Nigeria.
According to the Nigerian Electoral Act 2022 section 84 (12), Ward delegates have the power to vote for political aspirants at primary elections. Primary elections are preceding elections to pick candidates for elective positions.
For example, a political party like LNP would have to perform governorship primary elections to determine who would be the party flagbearer at the general elections. There are two types of election; we have the direct and indirect election.
Delegate Geo-Political Zones
A political party delegate comprise of delegates from the following geo-political zones in Nigeria;
- South-South – 927 delegates
- South East – 838 delegates
- South West – 1,568 delegates
- North Central – 1,278 delegates
- North East – 1,212 delegates
- North West – 1,924 delegates
Three delegates from each of the Local Government Areas in every State of the Federation are elected. At least one of whom shall be a woman.
Here are the procedures to become a delegate in Nigeria’s primary election;
1. Join a political party in Nigeria
For you to be a delegate in Nigeria. It is expected of you to join a political party. It exhibits active participation. There are several political parties in Nigeria e.g PDP, APC etc.
Political parties have various functions. One is promoting the interests of their voters.
To be a delegate, join a political party to become known.
2. Register with the party by purchasing a registration form
This is another way to be a delegate in Nigeria. You are expected to follow the process of registration which will make you a legal being. In the process of registration, you are expected to get a registration form and fill them out appropriately.
With that, you disclose your identity as a delegate.
Read also: Top 10 Universities With The Largest Landmass In Nigeria.
3. Submit the required documents
After filling out the necessary forms, submit the required documents. For you to be a delegate, a lot of documents will be assigned to you. You must submit them. With that, you are on your way to being a delegate.
4. Pay your registration fee at the Party’s Ward Secretariat
This is an organisation where you are expected to pay your registration fee. If you don’t do so, you can’t be identified as an aspirant for the position of a delegate.
Read also: 10 Noteworthy OAU Achievements
5. Collect your Party Membership card
This is another step to be taken for you to become a delegate. This card is your identity. With the collection of your card, you are on your way to becoming a delegate. Collecting the card means you have followed the necessary steps to becoming a delegate.
6. Develop Popularity in Your Ward
Make yourself known to be voted for. Popularize yourself and exhibit the main reason you would love to be a delegate. Let people know you are running for the position.
Don’t keep it private.
Japa is for you and everybody: TOP 10 MOST AFFORDABLE COUNTRIES TO STUDY AS A NIGERIAN
7. Build Grassroots Support From Members At Your Ward
To win the post, ensure you have the full support of your members. These are the people you really need and will likely help you to win. You can’t do without them. Carry them along in all your activities. For you to win, don’t leave them out. Do all your best possible to satisfy them to have their full support.
8. Indicate interest to be a delegate at the ward congress
Let there be a form of interest. Let it be seen that you are passionate to win. You can showcase a form of interest by engaging in different productive services for the sake of your people.
Lastly, you have to win the election to be a delegate. That is, your votes must outnumber the votes of your opponent. Having mentioned all these, you are expected to follow the formal processes mentioned above and become a winner.
As you will soon become a delegate try this out –> Quiz: How Well Do You Know Historical Records?
