Imposition of candidates is disastrous – IPAC on Kogi Election
Ibrahim Itodo, State Chairman of IPAC, gave the advice in an interview in Lokoja, insisting that parties must ensure the conduct of free, fair and transparent party primaries to forestall any form of crisis.
He cautioned against the imposition of candidates, saying, “One of the codes emphasises the conduct of free, fair and transparent party primaries, which is central to good conduct of the main election.
“This is because imposition of candidates is disastrous and it can lead to the defection of party supporters.”
Itodo further noted that lack of internal democracy has been the bane of many political parties in the country.
“Now that we have Permanent Voter Card (PVC) and Card Reader, any party that imposes an unpopular candidate on the people will have only itself to blame.
“This is because the electorate will always want to prefer any party that fields the most popular candidate,” he said.
Itodo urged all contestants to support candidates that emerge from their party primaries, rather than defecting after losing in the contest.
He also urged political parties to always invite IPAC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to observe the conduct of their primaries, in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
“There is a synergy between these two bodies; INEC and IPAC are collaborating to ensure that there are credible party primaries, and free, fair, credible and acceptable gubernatorial election,” he said.
The IPAC chairman expressed optimism that the state’s inter-agency security led by the Commissioner of Police, Mr Samuel Ogunjemilusi, would provide necessary security during the poll.
SOURCE: NAN
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