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Tag: direct primary

  • Ekiti APC adopts direct primary

    •Shadow poll holds today

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has bowed to the wishes of some of its aspirants and members asking for direct primaries to elect its National Assembly candidates.

    The party said the primaries for the three Senate and six House of Representatives tickets will hold today in the 177 wards of the state.

    In a statement yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, by its Publicity Secretary, Adebowale Ajayi, Ekiti APC said the directive to conduct the National Assembly shadow polls through direct primaries came from its national secretariat in Abuja.

    Angry aspirants and their supporters, on Monday, stormed the state secretariat at Ajilosun area of Ado-Ekiti, kicking against the plan by the state leadership of the party to use the indirect primary mode.

    During the violent protest, the party’s main signpost and flags were vandalised.

    But the police quelled the protest.

    The protesters claimed that an indirect primary was a ploy to impose candidates and prevent party members from having a say in the choice of candidates.

    The indirect primary was to hold yesterday at Great Eagle Hall, Ajebamidele, Ado-Ekiti, before the directive from APC national headquarters.

    Policemen and men of the Department of State Services (DSS) were on guard at the venue earlier in the day in anticipation of the primary, which was later shelved.

    In the statement, Ajayi said: “The Ekiti State chapter of the APC will now hold its long-awaited National Assembly primary on October 4 in all the 177 wards across the state.

    “The National Working Committee (NWC) had directed that the mode of the elections would be by direct primary.

    “We, therefore, enjoin all genuine party members to participate in the exercise.”

    Senatorial aspirants cleared to contest in Ekiti North are: Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi, Dr. Olusegun Osinkolu, Mr. Cyril Fasuyi, Mr. Femi Ajepe, Mr. Kayode Otitoju and Mr Oladipupo Bamise.

    Senator Ayo Arise has announced his withdrawal from the Ekiti North senatorial race.

    Incumbent Senator Fatimat Raji Rasaki and former House of Representatives member, Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele, were cleared to contest in Ekiti Central.

    Former Minister of State for Works, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, was the only aspirant cleared to run in Ekiti South.

     

  • Tinubu hails direct primary

    Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Tinubu yesterday said the party rejected Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s re-election bid because he has failed the leadership test.

    He said while a governor is expected to perform in office and fight the infrastructure battle, he is not expected to turn his back on  the platform that brought him power.

    Tinubu described the party as the major backbone of the governor and the architect of his victory at the poll, stressing that he should have carried the members along in his activities.

    He spoke shortly after participating in yesterday’s open direct governorship primary at his Ward C, Ikeja Local Government Area.

    Hailing the adoption of the direct primary, the former Lagos State governor said the method was superior to the delegate system.

    Tinubu applauded the huge crowd of members that came to vote, describing it as democracy in action.

    He said he surrendered to the generality of party members who demanded the direct primary and rejected the governor’s second term bid.

    The former governor said while the delegate system could be hijacked by rich aspirants, the direct system is insulated from corruption because it is open and promotes inclusiveness.

    Tinubu said: “Seeing is believing. You have seen the people. You have seen participatory democracy. You have seen transparency. As a leader, I had to surrender to these people. It is their wish to participate in the exercise and determine who will be the next governor to direct the affairs of Lagos. And that has been demonstrated openly by the people. They have democracy and the anti-corruption policy of this government.

    “Where you have delegate system, they move 24 hours around their constituencies. They collect from A, they collect from B, they collect from C, depending on the number of candidates. They give scores to the highest bidder. Stop promoting corruption and opposition to open primary. Allow them to openly demonstrate on the line where they belong with their identification cards. You kill corruption in the party.

    “I wouldn’t have been the governor in 1999, if open primary had not been adopted. Throughout the state, I went to the nooks and crannies of the state; to 245 wards to canvass for support. It was not the delegate system.”

    Tinubu said the circumstances that warranted his support for Ambode in 2014 does not exist in 2018.

    He recalled that the party accepted Ambode’s ambition in 2014 when he brought him from the civil service, adding that the same party has now rejected his second term bid.

    Tinubu said: “Who did I support in 2014? Life is dynamic. If a party which made me the leader of the structure in Lagos; it is only when you have followership that you’re a leader in democracy. If I look back and I don’t find them again, if I don’t respond to them, if I fail to accede to their request, I would have failed the leadership test. This is not personal. It is beyond me as a person. In the preface of every democratic constitution, you see: ‘we the people.’ It is preceded by ‘we the people’. I had to submit myself to the wishes and yearnings of our party.”

    The former governor said Lagos APC was warming up for next year’s elections, stressing that the primary was the beginning.

    Urging others to learn from the developments in the Lagos APC, Tinubu said: “This is an elixir to the general election. Ambode Akin is doing well, yes. He has to be a good party man. Not only the glamour, not only about brick and mortar. The chance is determined by character. For you to become an influential person, you have to respond to the yearnings of those people. This is politics. This is one man, one vote. They are for you today. If they change tomorrow, you have to abide by it.”

    Tinubu also cautioned against any plot to destroy the party, ahead of the general elections.

    He said: “You don’t bring the roof down. You don’t bring the house down. Safeguard the foundation. The exercise you have witnessed today is a prelude; it is good for the general election of the party. It is good for Buhari’s endorsement to continue. 1.9 million votes. You don’t see this type of crowd. If the summation today is less than that, there will be disappointment.”

    Tinubu added: “Look at that in the larger picture. If this house that accommodates all of us; we are facing one way. We are supporting the president. If they are changing, I have to abide by that. I have no choice. If you are a good party man; look at how long we have been here for how many years of democracy. Twenty five to 30 years of nurturing democracy. You must have one good reason for the people to continue to believe and respect you.”

    There was anxiety at the party’s office on Acme Road, Ogba, Ikeja, following the rejection of the primary by the Clement Ebri-led Primary Committee.

    Ebri said the panel will not affirm the primary results because the ballot papers and boxes it provided were not used.

    Frowning at the rejection, Tinubu, who visited the committee members at the Protea Hotel, Ikeja, described it as an afterthought and in bad faith.

    A party source said: “This may give room for insinuation that the panel may have an agenda. People may start alleging that the panel was compromised along the way. We are going to resist any annulment. The committee has not shown any sign of intention to work harmoniously with the Lagos State APC Executive Committee to ensure a successful primary. The committee asked for an office within the party secretariat to operate. The office was provided.

    “But, since they left for their hotel suites in Protea, they have shunned the office provided for them at the party secretariat. The committee said that the primary began without the distribution of ballot papers and result sheets. The party had earlier rejected the use of ballot papers and ballot boxes. The party preferred queuing on the line behind the posters of the two aspirants.”

    Lagos State APC Women Leader and former House of Representatives member Jumoke Okoya-Thomas said the plot to destroy the party will fail.

    She said: “Our party is supreme. This is the wish oif the party. Our people have spoke at the primary.”

  • Direct primary is blessing in disguise for me, says Lagos APC aspirant

    AN aspirant for the Lagos State House of Assembly on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), from Surulere Constituency 2, Mr. Quadri Onikeku, has lauded the idea of using direct primary to determine the party’s candidates for next year’s general elections. He said, it is a blessing in disguise for him.

    Onikeku, who spoke at a press conference in Lagos yesterday, said: “Direct primary is in favour of people like me, because when you talk of indirect primary or the delegate system a lot of money is involved and where do I get such money. But, with direct primary, it means your work will speak for you.”

    He said the people that will decide the contest in the direct primary are people within the local government area “that knows me one on one; I am going to enjoy that relationship that I have built over time with them, because I may not have money to give to them”.

    The aspirant added: “They know me; I was born in the local government, and I schooled there. I am a grassroots man, a mobilizer; I have always been around them and I have been in politics since 2003 and I have served in various capacity both as councillor, public relations officer of the party in the council congress in 2003. I was also personal assistant to first former Deputy Majority Leader and Chief Whip of the Lagos State House of Assembly from 2003 to 2008.

    “I have also worked as Chief Whip of the Coker/Aguda Local Council Development Area (LCDA) from 2008 to 2011. I was re-elected as councillor from 2011 to 2014, special adviser on works and infrastructure to the council chairman and other sundry political appointments. So, direct primary is in my favour.”

    Speaking on his plans, if elected, the youthful aspirant said he is going to resolve the problem of potable water, absence of secondary school in Itire/Ikate and the state of roads in the constituency, through lobbying and persuation.

    He added: “I am going to give my people responsible and responsive representation, legislate for better welfare condition, job creation, youth and women empowerment, safe, clean and secure Lagos, look into the yearnings and aspiration of our people amongst others.”

  • No going back on direct primary, say Lagos APC elders

    • Ambode, Hamzat, Sanwo-Olu are aspirants
    •’We have no anointed candidate’

    THE Gubernatorial Advisory Committee (GAC) of the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday said there is no going back on the proposed direct primary for governorship aspirants.

    The party elders said the three aspirants-Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, former Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pensions Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and former Works Commissioner Dr. Obafemi Hamzat-will struggle for the ticket at the shadow poll scheduled for Saturday.

    According to GAC, the direct primary will remove the fear of imposition and restore confidence in the democratic selection process. There will be no preferred or anointed candidate.

    The committee, which is made up of party elders and leaders from the three senatorial districts, said the decision on the direct primary is final, urging the contenders to brace for the exercise.

    Two members of the committee, Dr. Abayomi Finnih and Prof. Tunde Samuel, told our correspondent in Lagos that the direct primary reflected the opinion and wish of the generality of party members across the 20 local governments, adding that a level playing ground will be guaranteed by the party leadership.

    They emphasised that the resolution on the proposed direct primary was the collective decision of all members of the apex advisory body.

    Finnih, a medical doctor, promised that the direct primary will be free, fair, all-inclusive and democratic.

    He said: “The decision was taken in our meeting. We had a lengthy meeting presided over by our leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and we had some discussions about the on-going concerns about the aspiration for governor in Lagos State APC.

    “After due and lengthy deliberations, we came to the conclusion that we should follow democratic norm and open the field for those who are interested. Three people obtained forms, filled and submitted the nomination forms and they should be prepared to participate in the direct primary of September 29.

    “The decision was taken primarily to ensure that nobody is played out. Nobody is being adopted by anybody. Aspirants are free to go and contest in the direct primary. The party will guarantee a level playing field for aspirants. No special advantage will be conferred on anybody. A machinery has been set up by the GAC to ensure free and fair primary.”

    Noting that the decision on the direct primary is final, Finnih said the next governorship candidate will be elected during the shadow poll.

    He stressed: “The decision is final. We held our meeting last Thursday. We adjourned. We resumed last Saturday. We came to the conclusion that we must be consistent; that everybody who has obtained the form should be allowed to participate at the primary.

    “In a situation like this, you must continue to fall back on the population of party members. Our opinion reflects their opinion.”

    Asked whether the party would consider the imperative of the right of first refusal for the governor, he said democracy is about equality and not imposition.

    Samuel, a retired university teacher, said the chapter decided to organise a direct primary to clear the insinuation of periodic imposition and anointing of candidates.

    The former don however, said that after the primary, the onus is on the electorate to choose the next governor.

    Justifying the collective decision, he said: “Party supremacy is incontestable. Every time, they say Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is for imposition. This time around, we don’t want that insinuation. Party strategies can be reviewed, based on the reality on ground. The political kaleidoscope is changing.”

    Samuel added: “We cannot claim to be democratic by imposing any candidate. As democrats, we should follow democratic norms and provide a level playing field. We don’t want to be seen to have adopted a candidate or have a preferred candidate.”

    On whether the Lagos APC has the logistics to ensure a hitch-free direct primary, Samuel said: “There is a committee in place to ensure a hitch-free primary. Anything that put the credibility of party in jeopardy will not be tolerated.”

    Samuel said there will be no post-primary crisis, adding that, if it occurs, Lagos APC has rational thinkers and philosophical kings who will resolve it.

    He said: “Politics is not for the lilly-livered. APC is blessed with rational thinkers and philosophical kings. We are not afraid of crisis management. We will always ensure justice and fairplay.

    “The opinion we gave is representative of all the members of GAC. Before taking decisions, the chairman of GAC usually consult and ask for opinions. That is institutional leadership style that is guided by situational logic everytime.”

  • Ogun APC stakeholders insist on direct primary

    SOME critical stakeholders in Ogun State’s socio-economic and political developments have pledged to resist the moves to scuttle a directive of the Adams Oshiomhole-led All Progressives Congress (APC) national leadership on the adoption of direct primary for selecting the party’s candidates in the forthcoming governorship, senatorial and other elective positions.

    The stakeholders spoke at the weekend in Abeokuta, the state capital, at a meeting between some governorship aspirants and the Ijebu Boys Association (IJ Boys), a non-governmental and non-partisan interest group of the elite and professionals in Europe, America and Nigeria.

    Reacting to a statement, where Governor Ibikunle Amosun was said to have joined some other APC governors who allegedly rejected the direct primary order and adopted the indirect primary, the IJ Boys said the governors were “afraid of their dirty deals and were plotting to plant their stooges” to cover their tracks.

    The association urged the party’s leadership at all levels to ensure that the governors do not hold them to ransom.

    The statement by its President, Bayo Okenla, IJ Boys said: “The party’s adoption of the principles of democratic practice must be seen to be working in the APC. Anything otherwise will jeopardise the hard-earned goodwill of the party in a place like Ogun State, and it will become so easy for the opposition to defeat APC if Amosun insists on imposing his stooge as governorship and himself as senatorial flagbearers.”

  • I didn’t say direct primary is evil – Alasoadura

    The lawmaker representing Ondo Central Senatorial District ,Chief Tayo Alasoadura has said that he was misquoted in his remarks during the recent stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in Akure, the Ondo state capital.

    At the meeting attended by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,the Party adopted Indirect Primary which generated reactions among some members of the party.

    Alasoadura who briefed reporters after the meeting said there was no time he used “evil” to describe the conduct of the Direct primary.

    According to his media assistant,Dayo Joseph “It is important to correct this erroneous impression by the media unit of Senator Ajayi Borrofice.

    It said” Alasoadura absolutely respect the decision of the party( APC). The false reports credited to him describing direct primaries as “evil and corrupt” did not emanate from him.

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    “His endorsement of Indirect primaries was based on two reasons. To forestall difficulties and crisis and his belief that without a clean register of financial members, direct primaries are fraught with grave risks”.

    Alasoadura, said the option of Indirect Primary was endorsed to forestall difficulties and crisis.

    He said “We have unanimously adopted indirect primaries for choosing our candidates for 2019 elections.

    “We have done this because of difficulties usually associated with direct primary which may lead to chaos and violence, and any results coming from such may not have true representation.

    ” And by adopting this, we are fully in compliance with constitution of our party.There was no time I used the word ‘evil’.

  • APC: Kano, Niger join Lagos for direct primary

    More state chapters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have joined Lagos to adopt the direct primary option to pick their candidates for next year’s elections.

    Kano and Niger states yesterday voted for the option in which all card-carrying members of the party will pick candidates for elective offices.

    The primaries are scheduled for between September 20 when the presidential primary will hold and October 2, when the House of Assembly candidates will be picked.

    The party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) last Thursday adopted direct primary “to take the party to its members” who will vote for candidates of their choice.

    It, however, granted a concession to states with peculiarities that will make it imposible to implement direct primary to adopt either indirect primary or the consensus option.

    They must, however, apply to the National Working Committee (NWC) with evidence of approval of the State Working Committee (SWC) and critical stakeholders.

    Yesterday, party leaders and stakeholders in many states met to decide on the options.

    Announcing the decision in Kano, State Chairman Abdullahi Abbas said the decision would improve the stock of the APC in the 2019 election as well as other elections.

    He added that “the decision was unanimously endorsed by Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, Senators Kabiru Gaya and Barau Jibrin, 13 members of the House of Representatives led by Chief Whip Alhassan Ado Doguwa.

    “Others are 33 members of the House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Kabiru Al Hassan Rurum, 53 state Executive Committee members of the party, 44 elected local council chairmen and 44 local government chairmen and secretaries of the party.”

    Niger State said the decision was taken so that every bonafide member would participate in the process of picking candidates.

    State Secretary Mohammed Liman told reporters that the party was prepared for all the primaries, adding that its membership record would be accurate and up to date.

    Although the decision on direct primary was taken by Lagos State Stakeholders last month before that mode of primary was descided by the NEC, state Chairman Babatunde Balogun reaffirmed yesterday that the postion had not changed.

    “We are sticking to our decision,” he said on the telephone.

    Ogun State adopted direct primary at its meeting yesterday but as a back-up to the consensus mode they opted for.

    The communique issued at the end of the State Executive Committee/ stakeholders meeting by Publicity Secretary Wole Elegbede said “The APC in Ogun State shall have a consensus primary for all elective positions in the 2019 elections. Where consensus fails, a direct primary will be used to choose a candidate for such a position.”

    Kebbi State also adopted consensus.

    At its meeting yesterday, President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Atiku Bagudu were unabimously endorsed to run for fresh terms.

    Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah, who announced the decision, said where consensus fails, indirect primary will be used to pick candidates.

    The Ondo State chapter of the party voted for indirect primary after a meeting attended by Governor Rotimi Akerdolu and Deputy Governor Agboola Ajayi.

    House of Assembly Speaker Bamidele Oloyelogun moved the

    motion for indirect primary, which was seconded by Owo Local Government Chairman Sydney Ogunleye.

    Senator Tayo Alasuadura said Indrect primary would be in the interest of the members. But Ondo North Senator Ajayi Boroffice said he was not aware of the meeting.

    Other states – Sokoto, Plateau, Nasarawa, Borno, Yobe and Zamfara  – adopted indirect primary.

    The stakeholders in almost all the states adopted Buhari’s candidature.

    Sokoto State Deputy Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, who described Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko as the party’s leader, told reporters after the meeting, which he presided over, that “ the meeting also expressed happiness with the exemplary and unparalleled way Senator Wamakko is running the affairs of the great party .

    “Accordingly, we endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari as the party’s sole presidential candidate.”

    Borno State Deputy Governor Usman Mamman Durkwa presided over the meeting in the absence of Governor Kashim Shetimma, who is on an international assignment in Germany.

    Senator Abubakar Kyari, Mohammed Tahir Monguno  and Speaker Abdulkareem Lawal spoke on behalf of their colleagues.

    Senator Ali Ndume moved the motion for the adoption of indirect primaries. It was seconded by Hon. Dr. Asabe Vilita Bashir (Damboa/Chibok/Gwoza Federal Constituency).

  • Adamawa APC stakeholders back direct primary

    Some executive members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State have written to National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole on their prefence for direct primaries to pick camdidates for all elective positions.

    Another group with the support of Governor Jubrilla Bindow and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha had voted for indirect primary.

    A letter by the factional leadership was signed by its chairman Comrade Dumas Ezra, and Publicity Secretary Usman Ibrahim.

    Another letter, endorsed by seven members of the party, who described themselves as stakeholders and aspirants, among them Senator Abubakar Mohammed Mo’Allayidi (Adamawa Niorth), former SGF Babachir Lawal and APC governorship aspirants including Marcus Gundiri, Nuhu Ribadu, Dr. Mahmoud Halilu, Senator Abubakar Girei and Senator Bello Tukur, argued in favour of direct primaries, saying it would foster democracy and discourage underhand dealings in the conduct of the primaries.

    They said: “As democrats, we found the decision cheering and encouraging and we are therefore shocked that anybody who lays claim to democracy or desire to lead the people would find the decision to let the people decide as a threat or discomforting.”

    The letter reads: “On behalf of our teeming supporters and, indeed, all progressive members of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State, we write to express vote of confidence on the national leadership of the party and convey our resounding commendation for the decision of the party in respect of the conduct of primaries at all levels.

    “As stakeholders/aspirants, we found the decision of the party to go the way of direct primaries as not only progressive but also inclusive and revolutionary. The decision is also in tandem with the principles and ideals of our dear leader His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, to always carry the people along and make all Nigerians, nay party members relevant and be given a voice in decision-making process.

    “As individuals who want to pursue our respective ambitions under this great party, we feel elated by this wise decision. As democrats, we found the decision cheering and encouraging and we are therefore shocked that anybody who lays claim to democracy or desire to lead the people would find the decision to let the people decide as a threat or discomforting.

    “The merits of direct primaries are too many to recount here but as progressive members of the APC, we vote to support direct primaries for these reasons, among others: inclusiveness, democratic, rancor-free, minimal or zero corruption and the fact that it was chosen by the president.”

    The letter added: “We the undersigned stakeholders/aspirants from Adamawa therefore reiterate our unwavering support for direct primaries and want the party to ensure that it is conducted to the latter, as a mark of assurance for open and fair contest and in order to elect popular candidates who can stand the test of general elections.

    “Fielding weak or unpopular candidates through manipulative primaries is a sure way of losing elections, a misfortune we don’t pray for.”

  • Direct primary: APC NWC moves to prevent dissent

    The All Progrssives Congress (APC) at the weekend moved to prevent dissent by some of its leaders over the decision to adopt direct primary to pick its candidates for the 2019 elections.

    Governors are believed to be opposed to the system, which allows all card-carrying members of the party to participate in picking candidates. They favour indirect primary, which is the delegates system.

    Governors Simon Lalong (Plateau) and Yahaya Bello (Kogi), who briefed reporters after the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Thursday, said the party adopted direct primary to pick the presidential candidate and indirect primary for other offices.

    They added that states that wished to use direct primary would write to the National Working Committee (NWC) for permission.

    But the NWC on Friday said the correct decision at the NEC meeting was the adoption of direct primary for all offices with states which intended to use indirect system to seek the NWC’s permission in writing, supported with evidence of support by stakeholders.

    Yesterday, some state chairmen defied the warning by the national secrertariat to hold a meeting in opposition to the party’s decision on direct primary.

    The meeting, which was initially scheduled for the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja was moved to the Barcelona Hotel, a few meters from the party’s secretariat.

    The chairmen are believed to have bowed to pressure from their governors as they were said to be considering passing a vote of no confidence on the Adams Oshiomhole-led NWC.

    Some governors seeking a second term are belived to be opposed to the direct primary option.

    Before yesterday’s meeting, it was learnt that the NWC reached out to the state chairmen through their coordinator, the Borno State Chairman of the APC, Ali Bukari Dalori to explain its position.

    One of the chairmen who attended the meeting said the party wrote a letter to them on Saturday to clarify the issues. He did not disclose the content of the letter.

    Another state chairman who spoke on the condition of anonymity confirmed that the state party leaders “will do everything possible to resist imposition of direct primary, including passing a vote of no confidence in the Comrade Oshiomhole-led NWC.”

    While refusing to be quoted, he told reporters that the meeting was essentially to protest “the highhandedness of the party leadership and its insistence on direct primaries”.

    Apart from state chairmen who attended the meeting, one of the national vice chairmen, two ex-officio members and some national officers, were seen coming out of the venue.

    “Majority of the state chairmen are here and those that could not make it sent representatives. We are still talking and our resolutions will be made known to the public very soon but it won’t be today (yesterday) because we are still consulting and meeting,” one of the attendees said.

    The party’s national leadership earlier yesterday raised the alarm over the meeting which it said was an attempt to alter the party’s decision on the mode of primary election.

    An ex-officio member who also attended the meeting said the governors and some national officers were not happy with the direct primary option, adding that as leaders of the party in the states, they would do everything to protect their interest.

    He said: “The state chairmen will do everything possible to resist the imposition of direct primaries on the party, including passing a vote of no-confidence on Oshiomhole and his NWC members.”

    In an attempt to truncate the meeting, the party’s statement by Acting National Publicity Secretary Yekini Nabena said: “The attention of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC has been drawn to an illegal meeting scheduled to hold on Sunday at Transcorp Hilton hotel in Abuja by some members of our Party organs, with a view to fault the decisions made by the NWC followed by the National Executive Committee (NEC) as regards the mode of the Party’s primary elections.

    “We want to state clearly that the meeting which has been fixed for 2pm is illegal and an attempt to puncture the sincere efforts being made by the Comrade Adams Oshiomhole-led NWC to reposition our party ahead the 2019 General Elections and to ensure unity, equity and justice in the Party.”

    The statement said the outcome of such a meeting, which is already known, will be a nullity, adding that members should disregard such meetings in the interest of the Party.

    It also said that it had identified those behind the meeting and would have them sanctioned, unless they retrace their steps.

    “It is illegal to call such meetings outside the purview of the constituted authority.

    “The identities of those plotting such meetings have been identified and unless they desist from such they will be dealt with in line with the Party’s Constitution at the appropriate time.

    “The NWC will resist any attempt to disrupt the current peace and harmony prevailing in our great Party after the exit of some members of our Party.

    ‘We urge any member who is not satisfied with the decisions of the Party to utilise channels provided by the party’s constitution to air their views.

    *We remain focused in delivering good governance to Nigerians and above, all ensuring the victory for our party come 2019 and we will not be intimidated by the antics of a few in ensuring success for our party,” it said.

    Addressing journalists at his residence before the APC NEC meeting last week, National Vice Chairman (Northeast) Comrade Mustapha Salihu accused some leaders of the party from the Southwest to foster what he called “regional imperialism” on the party.

    He said that apart from the fact that the system requires a lot of supervision, the electoral body was not prepared for the system. Saying “Before now, I didn’t have any feelings that there was a possibility of conspiracy, but when I see people planting stories, I now begin to suspect.

    “If one region feels that was what is best for them, I think they can canvass that at the regional level and they now give us reason why they need that I want to believe that in a democracy, the majority have their way and the minority have their say.

    “So, they have the right to wish and if we decide to make it flexible, definately what they want will be given to them at their own various states, but one thing I want to assure you is that we will not succumb to regional imperialism so long as we are acting within the constitution.”

     

  • 2019: Lawmaker supports APC direct primaries

    A member of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Mr Murtala Sodangi, has endorsed the adoption of direct primaries by the national leadership and stakeholders of All Progressives Congress (APC) to elect the party’s flag bearers for 2019 general elections.

    Sodangi (APC-Nasarawa Central constituency) expressed his support on Tuesday in Nasarawa while fielding questions from newsmen in Nasarawa Local Government Area of the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the ruling party has announced plans to use direct primaries in electing its candidates for the 2019 polls.

    The party tested the direct primary formula during the Osun State governorship primary for its flag bearer.

    Reacting to the development, Sodangi said that the direct primaries adopted by the party would give APC members the opportunity to vote candidates of their choice.

    He added the formula would also give every aspirant the chance to test his/her popularity and acceptability ahead of the general election.

    “ I am in support of direct primaries. Of course, if Mr President wants direct primaries, I also want direct primaries,’’ he said.

    Sodangi called on Nigerians to support President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption fight in the interest of national development.

    He described Buhari as incorruptible leader and a corruption fighter, hence the need for all and sundry to support the president to succeed.

    The lawmaker noted that corruption had affected the lives and the socio-economic development of the country negatively.

    According to him, Buhari is a man of integrity, incorruptible leader, a corruption fighter and by God’s grace he (the president) will win the 2019 general election because of his unbeatable qualities.

    On defection, the lawmaker said APC in the state was intact.

    “We thank God for that and we are united because of the good policies and programmes of Gov. Tanko Al-Makura towards impacting positively on the lives of the people in the state.

    “I believe he is carrying everybody along, Gov. Al-Makura use to engage critical stakeholders when taking decisions about development and the party, that is why APC in Nasarawa state is intact and we are intact,” he said.

    Sodangi said that the defectors were doing so based on their selfish and personal interests.

    He expressed optimism that APC would continue to wax stronger considering the laudable achievements of President Buhari and Gov. Al-Makura in improving the lives of Nigerians.

    The lawmaker restated his commitment to continue to initiate good policies and programmes that would have direct bearing on the lives of his constituents and the state at large. (NAN)