The decision of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to adopt a direct primary election to select the party’s gubernatorial candidate in Edo State has sparked a contentious debate, with Dr. Salihu Lukman, former National Vice Chairman, North-West, accusing the National Working Committee (NWC) of overreaching its authority.
In a statement, Lukman asserted that the NWC’s move to organize a direct primary contradicts the APC Constitution’s provisions and encroaches upon the powers reserved for the National Executive Committee (NEC). He emphasized that the NWC is only empowered to “propose” electoral guidelines and regulations, while the procedure for selecting party candidates for elective offices falls under the purview of the NEC.
Lukman denounced the NWC’s decision as illegal and raised concerns about the lack of a verifiable membership register, a crucial prerequisite for conducting a direct primary. He cautioned against the potential for party leaders to manipulate the process and underscored the need for upholding the integrity of the electoral system.
Furthermore, Lukman called for restraint among party leaders, urging them not to succumb to the temptation of exerting undue influence over the electoral process. He cautioned against the abuse of power and drew attention to the ramifications of deviating from democratic principles.
The brewing controversy surrounding the APC’s handling of the governorship candidate selection process in Edo State reflects broader concerns about the transparency and integrity of political party procedures. With the specter of manipulation looming, the call for adherence to democratic norms and respect for institutional frameworks resonates as a foundational imperative for the APC and, indeed, political entities worldwide.
