National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Ajibola Basiru, has stated that no political party in Nigeria can match the ruling party in terms of transparency, organisation, and conduct of primary elections.
Basiru made the assertion despite controversies and internal disputes that have trailed the APC primary elections across the country.
The primaries have reportedly been marked by allegations of candidate imposition, electoral irregularities, violence, and exclusion of stakeholders in some states.
There have also been criticisms surrounding the adoption of the consensus method, with some aggrieved aspirants arguing that the process lacks transparency and sidelines popular contenders.
However, speaking during an interview on Arise News, Basiru defended the conduct of the exercises, insisting that the APC had demonstrated a high level of organisation and commitment to internal democracy.
According to him, no other political party in the country would be able to match the ruling party’s level of coordination and openness.
He said, “Based on the reports received from both the House of Representatives and the Senate, I would assess our party very favorably in terms of organization and the overall results of the exercise.
“The APC has implemented the direct primary option as stipulated in the Electoral Act, and this process has showcased the party’s dedication to transparency and internal democracy.
“I can assert with confidence that by May 29 or 30, it will be rare to find any other political party exhibiting this degree of coordination, openness, and participation as the APC has done.”
Meanwhile, APC Deputy National Chairman South, Dr. Ben Nwoye, has urged aggrieved aspirants to either accept the outcome of the primaries or seek redress through the party’s appeal mechanisms.
Speaking on the same programme, Nwoye said dissatisfied aspirants still have the opportunity to submit petitions before appeal committees and, where necessary, escalate matters to the National Working Committee.
“The reality is that the primaries have largely concluded, with winners declared, while those who are dissatisfied can either accept the results at the declaration stage or file an appeal, as the process does not conclude with the primaries.
“Dissatisfied aspirants can submit petitions to appeal committees for review, and if necessary, escalate further to the National Working Committee.
“So far, the process has been satisfactory, with democracy being actively witnessed across the country and strong grassroots participation from APC supporters,” he stated.
