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EXCLUSIVE: APC To Amend Constitution To Mandate Direct Primaries For Future Elections

September 11, 2018

Our source stated that the National Legal Adviser of the party, Ogala Babatunde, has been directed to make all necessary amendments to the clause that bordered on the conduct of primaries at all levels.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has concluded arrangements to amend the constitution of the party to make the controversial direct primaries mandatory in all elective positions.

A reliable source close to the party, who preferred not to be named, disclosed this in Abuja on Monday.

He stated that the National Legal Adviser of the party, Ogala Babatunde, has been directed to make all necessary amendments to the clause that bordered on the conduct of primaries at all levels.

He explained that the amendments would be presented to the delegates during the presidential primary election slated for October 6 for ratification, adding that this would eliminate imposition of candidates and allow popular participation in the process of selection of candidates.

The constitution of the party allows three options, indirect, direct and consensus methods, for the conduct of primaries for all elective positions.

States that have adopted direct primaries include: Lagos, Niger, Abia, Rivers, Anambra, Cross River and Akwa Ibom. Ogun and Edo states adopted consensus.

However, the stand on whether to adopt direct primaries has generated uproar in many states within the party.

Sources say those opposed to indirect primaries are relying on the whims and caprices of the few people who control the party to subvert the will of the people, as the process may begin and end with vote buying.

They argue that the question of the legitimacy of the existing executive and delegates is still subject to litigation; therefore, subjecting them to election will amount to a nullity.

However, for those in support of indirect primaries, it may be difficult to conduct direct primaries without a comprehensive membership register, asides the issue of the system being expensive and cumbersome.