An electoral system which allows party members to elect candidates for elective offices is called?

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the name of the electoral process in which party members choose the candidates who will represent the party in an election for elective offices.

Step 2: Explain the concept Before the main election, a political party must decide who will carry its flag. In Nigeria, parties hold primary elections (often called "party primaries") to select their candidates for offices such as governor, senator, or president. Only registered party members (or delegates chosen by them) take part.

Step 3: Examine each option

• A. By-election: Held to fill a vacant seat, for example after the death, resignation, or removal of an office holder. It is not about choosing party candidates.
• B. Primary election: Party members choose the party's candidates for the main election. This matches the question.
• C. General election: The main election in which all registered voters choose among candidates from all parties.
• D. Direct election: Voters choose their representatives directly, without intermediaries. This describes how voters vote, not an election restricted to party members.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is B. primary election.

Exam tip: Think of "primary" as "first stage." The party primary comes first, where members pick the candidate, and the general election comes later, where everyone votes. Also remember that a by-election is only for filling vacancies.