- No National Concerns: APC says no major complaints from Lagos primaries reached them.
- State-Level Management: Lagos chapter, led by Governor Sanwo-Olu, handles the primaries.
- Appeals Committee: A committee is set up to review any grievances.
- One-Party State? APC denies aiming for a one-party system in Nigeria.
APC’s Morka Downplays Lagos Primaries Drama
Amidst all the noise and protests surrounding the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairmanship primaries in Lagos, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, is singing a different tune. According to him, the national leadership hasn’t received any significant complaints about the primaries.
Morka addressed the growing public buzz during an interview with ARISE News. He made it clear that the Lagos chapter is still under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and that an appeals committee has been formed to sort out any issues.
State Chapter in Charge
Morka emphasized that local-level primary elections are mainly managed by the state chapters. The national APC leadership usually stays out of these processes unless it involves national elections. “Local government elections are within the province of the state chapter and the state leadership of the party,” Morka stated, keeping it cool and collected.
Speaker Obasa’s Influence
When asked about the controversies surrounding the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, Morka advised everyone to take it easy with the political interpretations. “We must understand, in politics, there’s a lot of ascriptions. People ascribe all kinds of things to people,” he noted.
Appeals Process: A Fair Shot?
Morka explained that the party has ways to handle grievances, including the appeals process, which he sees as a fair way to challenge any perceived problems. This process allows anyone who feels wronged to present their case and seek a resolution.
One-Party State Fears?
Addressing concerns that the APC’s dominance could lead Nigeria towards a one-party state, Morka brushed off such worries. “We are not aiming for a one-party state. People are joining us because they believe in the vision and leadership of President Bola Tinubu,” he said.
He added that the opposition is crumbling on its own, and the APC is simply focused on improving its internal processes and delivering good governance. “Our party is growing,” Morka concluded.
APC’s Growth Trajectory
Morka believes the APC is a dynamic and constantly evolving political force. The party aims to attract more members by demonstrating effective governance and sticking to its core values.
Additional Info
It’s worth noting that the APC has been making strides in various states, attracting members from other parties. For instance, three senators from Kebbi recently ditched the PDP for the APC, citing internal crises within their former party.
The Broader Political Landscape
Nigeria’s political scene remains vibrant, with ongoing debates about the country’s democratic trajectory. Figures like Farouk Aliyu have cautioned against the dangers of a one-party system, emphasizing the importance of a robust opposition for a healthy democracy.