The United Action for Change (UAC) congratulates our Convener, Dr Muiz Banire, SAN, on the victory scored from the statement credited to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu at a forum yesterday, 14th August, 2018, where the former Governor was reported to have advocated the adoption of direct primaries by the Lagos Chapter of the All Prgressives Congress (APC).
We commend the former Governor for turning this new leaf. This new embrace of the true values of internal democracy by former Governor Tinubu is coming shortly after the hosting of our 3rd Annual Lecture/Symposium this past Thursday 9th August, in Lagos with the theme: Deepening Internal Democracy in Political Parties.
It will be recalled that the group has been at the forefront of agitation for the adoption of transparent party primaries for the nomination of candidates of all political parties. Whilst to a large extent, other parties have substantially been complying with this democratic best practice, it has not been the culture of APC leadership in Lagos State to allow unfettered primary election to be held in chosing the party’s candidates.
However, UAC believes that it is not yet uhuru as there is a huge difference between the pronouncement and actually conducting a credible primary which is the reason why we advise more vigilance on the part of the members of the party and the general public who are supposed to benefit from effective enthronement of democracy in our society.
As prerequisites to the conduct of direct primaries, the following, amongst others, must be observed:
- A credible and updated membership register. This must be displayed well ahead of the primaries. Aspirants must agree on the integrity of the register before its use.
- Venues for primaries must be publicised and known to all.
- Officials that will conduct and manage the process must be neutral, independent and acceptable to all aspirants.
- There must be logistic support sufficient to cater for the exercise.
- Security must be watertight, particularly in areas of volatility.
- INEC must be given sufficient notice to ensure effective monitoring of the entire process and recording of results and announcements as part of their supervisory role.
- The media must complement the process to guarantee its credibility.
- Appeal process, populated by credible personalities acceptable to all aspirants must be put in place.
- Proper identification cards of members must be issued to members
It is only upon the fulfilment of the above conditions that a credible primary can be said to have taken place otherwise it would constitute a shameful sham. We, as a group, shall continue to monitor the process and raise the red flag whenever we deemed necessary.
Aluta continua, victora acerta.
