Former Chairman of the Special Presidential Panel on Recovery of Public Property, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, has cautioned the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, against compelling aspirants to pay hefty sums for nomination forms only to rig them out in favour of preferred candidates.
He warned that such a practice, if not checked, could be
suicidal for internal democracy and deeply demoralising for aspirants who
invest heavily in party nominations.
In a statement issued in Calabar, the former presidential
aide said political office should not be determined by “the pockets of party
leaders,” stressing that aspirants should not be made to pay between ₦10
million, N20 million and ₦50 million for forms, only to be denied a fair
contest.
Obono-Obla said the credibility of the party depends on
fairness and transparency, adding that the APC must work to earn and retain the
trust of its members through credible primaries.
“Fairness and transparency must guide the primaries,” he
stated, noting that justice in the process would strengthen the party and
ensure the emergence of credible representatives of the people.
He recalled his personal experience during the 2023 election
cycle, alleging that he was compelled to sell a house he built in Calabar for
₦22 million in order to purchase a senatorial nomination form.
According to him, despite the huge financial sacrifice, the
process was allegedly manipulated in favour of preferred aspirants through the
selection of delegates loyal to certain interests within the party leadership
in Cross River State.
He further alleged that on the day of the primary election
in Ikom, favoured aspirants distributed large sums of money, reportedly sourced
from the state, to influence delegates’ decisions.
“Delegates received between ₦200,000 and ₦300,000 each,” he
alleged, adding that many of those involved in the process are now unhappy with
the quality of representation that followed.
Obono-Obla urged the APC to ensure fairness, equity, and
internal democracy as it prepares for its primary elections ahead of the 2027
general polls, insisting that members must be allowed to freely choose
candidates who truly represent their interests.
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com