2023 Elections: Influential PDP Governor Shares His Thoughts On Direct Primaries

• The possibility of conducting direct primaries in Nigeria has continued to raise dust among political bigwigs
• In a recent conversation, the governor of Sokoto state said that conducting direct primaries would be overwhelming for INEC and security agencies in the country
• Aminu Tambuwal urged political stakeholders to ensure that the right decisions are taken to improve Nigeria's democracy

The governor of Sokoto state, Aminu Tambuwal, on Wednesday, December 8, said that conducting direct primaries for all the political parties across Nigeria might be overwhelming for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies.

Leadership reports that Tambuwal said that while he is not against either direct or indirect primaries for elections in Nigeria, it is important that the nation sticks to doing that what is democratically right for the people.

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Also noting that both direct and indirect primaries are accustomed to their own advantages and disadvantages, Tambuwal warned that arguments should be based on how to improve Nigeria's democracy.

Tambuwal also pointed on the need for key stakeholders to review the implications of both direct and indirect primaries and weigh or compare their benefits to the people of Nigeria and the country's democracy before taking a final decision.

Tribune also reports that the governor noted that various experiences gathered from the nation's electoral processes in the past years have shown that direct primaries could endanger transparency.

The governor said:

“I don’t want to mention names, but I may be compelled by this question to ask how many votes did President Buhari get during the APC direct primaries, and how many did he get during the general election."

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“Take an example of Kano, he got over three million votes during direct primaries, but how many votes did he get during general elections?"

Electoral Act Amendment: Buhari makes fresh moves over direct primaries

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that President Muhammadu Buhari had taken steps to ensure he takes the best decision concerning the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.

Assent to the bill which was recently passed by lawmakers of the National Assembly and sent to the president has taken some time to key decisions needed to be taken.

The president has however sought the best advice from experts in the field of the electioneering process and legal matters over the bill.

INEC assures its ready once President Buhari approves amended election law

Also, INEC chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, had addressed the INEC's position concerning the direct mode of primaries.

The INEC chairman disclosed recently that the commission is ready as soon as the president approves the amended election law.

Professor Yakubu also sent a note of warning to politicians against the use of multiple voter cards ahead of the 2023 general election

Source: Legit.ng