By Patricia Amogu
A concerned Nigerian citizen, Amb. Zainab Mohammed, has called on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other stakeholders to uphold internal democracy and ensure transparency in the conduct of the party’s primaries across the country.
Mohammed made the call in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja while reacting to reports surrounding the APC House of Representatives primaries reportedly held on Saturday.
She recalled that President Bola Tinubu had directed that the party’s primaries be conducted through a transparent direct primary process to allow members freely choose their preferred candidates.
According to her, reports from some constituencies indicated that the primaries in certain areas were allegedly influenced by powerful political interests rather than reflecting the democratic wishes of party members.
“These developments raise serious concerns about internal democracy, fairness, transparency and respect for the voices of ordinary Nigerians.
“What becomes of the millions of party members and citizens denied the opportunity to participate in choosing those who will represent them?” she asked.
Mohammed said that continued political interference in candidate selection could weaken public confidence in the country’s electoral and party systems.
She called on the president, APC national leadership and other stakeholders to urgently address the concerns and ensure that the democratic rights of citizens were protected.
“Every Nigerian deserves the right to freely choose those who represent them at every level of governance, not candidates perceived to have emerged through imposition or political influence disconnected from grassroots realities,” she said.
Mohammed further stated that Nigerians embraced the Renewed Hope agenda because it symbolised inclusion, fairness, accountability and a better democratic future.
According to her, true democratic governance can only thrive where the voices of the people are heard, respected and allowed to prevail.
“Democracy belongs to the people. Let the people decide,” she added. (NAN)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
