Presidential Convention: APC may settle for indirect primaries ― Kebbi gov

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3 years ago

Governor Bagudu

The All Progressives Congress National Executive Committee at the end of its meeting ratified dates for conduct of presidential convention, governorship and other party primaries ahead of next general elections.

While it ratified May 30-31st for the presidential convention, there was no formal pronouncement on the mode of primary for the emergence of its presidential candidate.

The APC 2020 Constitution (as amended) made provisions for Direct, Indirect and Consensus options for emergence of its candidates.

Tribune Online checks however revealed that the APC NEC might have settled for the indirect primaries.

According to the proposed schedule of activities and timetable for the 2023 general elections sighted by Tribune Online, signed by the party National Organising Secretary, Suleiman Mohammed Argungu, there was provision for conduct of State and National Delegates for presidential convention to hold between 7th to May 9,2022. It was approved by the APC NEC.

Also speaking with newsmen, Kebbi State Governor and Chairman Progressive Governors Forum, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu gave indication that the party has settled for the Indirect Primaries as he noted that time was short to contemplate the direct primary option.

He said: “There was no explicit discussion about the mode of primaries but the time table seems to suggest that it is indirect primaries.”

Asked for his position on the controversy trailing Section 84 (12) of the Electoral Act, which demands that those holding appointive positions should first resign before seeking elective offices, the Kebbi State Governor described the issue as subjudice.

“We are over flogging a legal issue. Even the Electoral Act says no appointee should be voted for. It didn’t give specific date or time at which such appointee shall resign, that is number one. Secondly, this matter is subjudice because there is a federal High court ruling in the issue that is on appeal.”

President Muhammadu Buhari in his speech asked the National Working Committee to insulate itself from financial inducement and conduct presidential convention and primaries that would be transparent and acceptable to all.

While appealing to the party chieftains to work as one united political family ahead next general elections, he further appealed to aggrieved chieftains to refrain from acrimony, particularly court actions.

“I enjoin you all to follow due process in all the party processes and more importantly, to develop more mechanisms against corruption. I call on all party members to abide by all extant laws, rules, and regulations and to leaders of our party to avoid imposition of candidates that cannot win popular elections. This dictatorial behavior cost us many strategic seats in the past. In the recent past, this led to some of our strong members unfortunately opting to go elsewhere because of unfairly oppressive behavior of party leaders at state level.

“I must caution strongly against any tendency towards developing cliques, in–fighting within the party. We want to win well not succumb to fractions on account of personal acerbities and desire to retain control at all costs. That surely is the road to win

“I enjoin you all to recognise the place of due process in all our tasks as managers of the party. We must develop party in-built mechanisms against corruption. Our success in 2023 will depend more on our capacity to respect our own extant rules, and regulations.

“Once again, the principal challenge before you is the need to forge a united front for the party. It is your responsibility to keep creating and sustaining compromises among party leaders and members across the country. We must identify elements and factors that would facilitate it. This I urge the new NWC to place as a priority task. Whenever you need help in these critical times, please do not hesitate to seek out assistance from the appropriate quarters. I stand ready at the service of the party and the country.

“Now that NEC has vested its powers in NWC for the time being, as requested, and in compliance with the Party Constitution in the overall interest of the Party, I want to assure Mr. Chairman and the entire NWC members of my full support.

“Let us work collectively in the interest of our great party and to ensure solid victory in the coming general elections. That is the task before us.”

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