APC backs Senate over transmission of results, direct primary

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has thrown its weight behind the decision by the Senate to empower the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to determine the mode of transmission of election results.

The Senate also adopted the use of the direct primary mode to select candidates vying for various elective positions.

APC in a statement by its caretaker secretary, Senator John Akpanudoedehe, maintained that the patriotic disposition of the multi-partisan 9th National Assembly should be commended.

The party enjoined the citizenry to ignore the resolve by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to kick against the initiative by the national assembly to reform the electoral system.

The APC noted, “It is the right thing for the National Assembly to aggregate and consider the clapapmours by civil societies, interested stakeholders and indeed all Nigerians on all matters requiring legislation.

“We reaffirm our commitment and support for constitutionally-permitted innovations that will improve the transparency and credibility of Nigeria’s electioneering processes and internal democracy, specifically the nomination of political party candidates.

“In line with our progressive mantra, the credibility of elections has continued to improve under the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC government. Valid votes now count and past practices of electoral fraud inflicted on Nigerians by past PDP administrations are fast becoming a thing of the past.

“At party level, the APC Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) under the leadership of Governor Mai Mala Buni has entrenched internal democracy in nomination processes as recorded in recent and successful nationwide congresses conducted by the party.

“The APC as a party and government will continue to stand for and support free, fair, transparent and credible elections. We call on well-meaning Nigerians to join us in this quest to deepen our democracy.”