By Hassan Hussain
A group under the auspices of the Fatherland Front for Growth and Development (FFGD) has expressed concern over the outcome of some primary elections conducted by political parties across the country. It alleged cases of candidate imposition and injustice despite general compliance with provisions of the amended Electoral Act.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, the National Secretary of the group, Dr. AK Peters, commended political parties for largely adhering to the Electoral Act, particularly the provisions recognizing consensus and direct primaries.
Dr. Peters noted that while the conduct of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries was satisfactory in several respects, some outcomes failed to reflect the democratic aspirations and expectations of party members.
He alleged that in certain instances, influential political actors and political godfathers imposed preferred candidates despite indications that such aspirants had been rejected by party members during the primaries.
“Political parties stand a better chance of electoral success when they present credible and democratically elected candidates to the electorate.”
— Dr. AK Peters, National Secretary, FFGD
The group cited the case of Oyo North Senatorial District, where Dr. Gbenga Adegbola was said to have secured victories in nine of the thirteen local government areas during the primary election but was allegedly denied recognition as the winner.
It also expressed concern over the situation in Kwara South Senatorial District, where Dr. Muheebah Dankaka was reportedly declared winner of the primary election but was later denied the party ticket under circumstances the group described as unjust and discriminatory.
According to the organisation, the development is particularly worrisome given the low representation of women in the National Assembly. It stressed that capable women should not be denied opportunities to contribute to governance and national development.
The Fatherland Front for Growth and Development, a registered non-governmental organisation, condemned what it described as apparent miscarriages of justice. It called on the APC National Chairman, Professor Yelwatda, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and ensure fairness and adherence to democratic principles.
It also called on party stakeholders at both state and national levels to ensure that collation and announcement of primary election results are conducted without interference.
The organisation further urged the APC National Working Committee to investigate the reported irregularities and uphold outcomes that reflect the genuine votes of party members.
While calling on aggrieved party members to remain calm and law-abiding, the group emphasised that justice, equity and internal democracy must prevail to strengthen party unity ahead of the general elections.
