The Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday in Akure adopted indirect primaries for selection of its candidates for the 2019 elections. The Nasarawa State chapter of the APC also adopted indirect primaries. Both states are governed by the APC.
Speaking to journalists after the state executive meeting of the party, a senator, Tayo Alasoadura, representing Ondo Central Senatorial District of the state, said the option was endorsed to forestall difficulties and crises, come 2019 elections.
“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,” he said.
Also speaking, Bamidele Oleyelogun, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, said that there was no aspect of the party’s constitution that stipulates any particular option of primary election on any chapter.
Ade Adetimehin, the state party chairman, who urged members to place the party over and above themselves, noted that the chapter of the party was one family.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oloyelologun had earlier moved motion for adoption of the option, which was seconded by Agboola Ogunleye, the Chairman of Owo Local Government area of the state.
NAN also reports that others present at the meeting include the state governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, his deputy, Agboola Ajayi and a senator, Yele Omogunwa, representing Ondo South Senatorial District.
In Nasarawa, the decision was reached at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House on Wednesday in Lafia.
Bello said: “It is the candid opinion of members of the party that conducting the primaries using the direct method will be cumbersome, expensive and herculean in terms of security.
“Members also noted that the direct primaries option will entail a review of the party membership registration as well as registration of new members.”
He said that given the time constraint, logistics and stress involved in the direct primaries, it was not feasible in the state.
Bello said that the stakeholders restated their supports for the second term bid of President Muhammadu Buhari and the senatorial aspiration of Governor Umaru Al-Makura giving their track record of achievements.
He said that the State Executive Committee (SEC) commended all the gubernatorial aspirants for vying under its platform and urged them to resist the temptation of politics of blackmail, mischief and calumny.
Bello re-assured all aspirants of a level playing field devoid of discrimination or preferences, urging them to reciprocate by playing the game in accordance with the rules and regulations of the party.
Two of the governorship aspirants, Dauda Kigbu and Aliyu Wadada, speaking at the meeting, lauded the decision, saying that it was in line with the constitution of the party.
The duo said: “Democratically, direct primaries is the best, but considering the prevailing political situation we should not rock the boat.
“Our support for the indirect primaries also enshrined in the constitution of the party was borne out of the explanations drawn from the litigations that arose from congress of some state chapters.
“For those states with pending cases from congresses, any indirect primary election conducted could be nullified at the determination of the cases, hence the need to hold direct primaries in such states.
“However, for Nasarawa state, our congresses were devoid of rancour and crisis and so, the indirect primaries is acceptable by all stakeholders.”
.NAN