We settled for direct primary to prevent crisis –APCAmid the raging crisis rocking the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress over the mode of primary to be used in the conduct of its June
22 governorship primary, the Independent National Electoral Commission has said it will only honour the mode of primary submitted to it by the national chairman of the party.
The National Chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole, said to be in the same camp with the factional chairman of the party in the state, David Imuse, had insisted that the party would use direct primary to select its candidate. However, following the altercation and rising tension over which mode of primary INEC would recognise for the APC in the state, Okoye toldthat the law only allowed the commission to relate with the national chairman and national secretary when it pertained to party primaries.
“The commission will not dictate to political parties the mode of primaries to adopt as it is a purely legal and party affair. What is certain is that the commission will monitor the primaries and provide protective equipment for its staff that will be involved in the process.” Already, INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, on Friday during the first virtual consultative meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, expressed fears about looming acrimony in the primaries of the political parties in Edo and Ondo states. Ondo governorship election is scheduled to hold on October 10 2020.
“The only mode of primary that is permissible according to that law is indirect primaries, and we believe it is correct to do so because for that option, it is just one location and you can deploy all agencies of government responsible for ensuring compliance with the protocols.86 luxury vehicles, buildings forfeited by ex-director returned to his firms illegally –Ex-SPIP prosecutor
“Don’t forget that the first responsibility of the governor is to protect the lives and property of the people.”INEC also said it had suspended the collection of permanent voter cards and the continuous voter registration exercise in Edo and Ondo states because of the COVID-19 pandemic. “The commission expects all political parties nominating candidates to comply with the submission of the register of their members,” he added.Okoye also said the commission had not discussed and was not likely to discuss the issue of postponing the two end-of-tenure governorship elections due to constitutionally circumscribed timeframe and schedule.
He added, “Even if there was no crisis in Edo, the direct primary will still be the safest mode for this election for us to avoid any booby trap from past shocking experiences.He said if the party had held direct primary in Rivers State, it would have avoided what befell it after. “The same foundation has been laid for a repeat of this situation in Edo State with a disputed executive and they are in court with multiple cases.
Secondus, who spoke with one of our correspondents, said his party was popular in the state and would capitalise on the crisis rocking the APC to build on the performance of the PDP in the last general election.
Nigeria Latest News, Nigeria Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Edo primary: Can APC governors’ last moves unite Oshiomhole, Obaseki?Ahead of the Edo State governorship primary holding in two weeks from now, John Alechenu examines the political intrigues and last-ditch efforts by governors elected on the All Progressives Congres...
Read more »
Edo, Ondo polls: INEC warns of ‘warning signals’ ahead party primaries – Daily TrustThe Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised the alarm over early ‘warning signals’ ahead of the party primaries for the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states. The Edo and Ondo state governorship elections are slated for 19th September 2020 and 10th October 2020 respectively. Edo gov’ship: Obaseki, Oshiomhole’s camps await APC primary for […]
Read more »
Edo, Ondo: INEC hints of 'warning signals' ahead party primariesThe Independent National Electoral Commission (inecnigeria), has tasked security operatives to act proactively over ‘warning signals’ of violence and acrimony observed ahead the Edo and Ondo governorship elections.
Read more »
'Hostile' party primaries may disrupt Edo, Ondo Guber polls, INEC warnsThe Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned of impending violence ahead of the Edo and Ondo governorship elections, urging security agencies to be proactive.
Read more »
Edo primaries: INEC foresees crisis as APC, PDP begin gov aspirants’ screening|p style=
Read more »
Man caught trying to sleep with a sick man in Edo (Video)Man caught trying to sleep with a sick man in Edo (Video) TopStories FridayFeeling FridayThoughts
Read more »