Former Council Chairman of the defunct Owan Local Government Area, Richard Ofenmu has warned the Edo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) against the imposition of candidates, amid reports that the party’s leadership is plotting to reserve its State Assembly tickets to previously elected members who were not inaugurated.

The former council boss who remains a respected figure in Ward 8, Owan West LGA, said in a public statement that the party must be seen to promote internal democracy and present every aspirant a level playing ground.

He also urged compliance with the provisions of the party to avoid legal troubles similar to what took place in Anambra state where the Supreme Court recently voided the candidacy of Senator Andy Ubah over irregularities in the primary process that produced him as candidate.

He said: “APC must learn and be seen to promote internal democracy where the party is returned to the members of the party. The choice of candidates should be via party primaries. Every aspirant should be given a level playing ground.”

“There should be no imposition of any sort. The party leadership must uphold the provisions of the party constitution that has made regulations for conduct of party primaries.”

“I sincerely hope the APC party will learn and avoid a situation that led to the recent Supreme Court decision which voided the participation of her candidate in just concluded Governorship elections in Anambra on the sole ground of failure to comply with the requirements and regulations on party primaries.”

“While we respect the leadership of the party, the leaders must play according to the rules. The party belongs to all its members, not necessarily the leadership. All members of the party must strive at all times to take actions that will promote unity, fairness and equity. APC must choose her very best by popular choice and not by sentiments if she honestly wants to win the confidence of the people and elections.”