The All Progressives Congress (APC), Ebonyi chapter says that arrangements have been concluded for a successful conduct of the party’s governorship primary election slated to hold May 26 in Abakaliki.
Chief Stanley Emegha, APC chairman in Ebonyi gave the hint during a press briefing in his office on Wednesday in Abakaliki.
He added that party was fully prepared to conduct a free, fair and credible primaries to pick its flagbearers ahead of the 2023 general elections.
He noted that the critical stakeholders including electoral umpire, security agencies among others expected to observe the exercise had been promptly and appropriately briefed to avoid hitches.
“We have duly communicated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to send its officials, security agencies including the police, Civil Defence and other security outfits were also informed to monitor the exercise in line with extant electoral laws.
“Going by the importance of the 2023 general elections to Nigeria and even West Africa as a whole, we cannot afford to set a bad precedence by muddling up the outing.
” Again, since party primaries metamorphos into the bigger election by presenting candidates for the people to choose from, the exercise calls for due diligence and high intelligence to avoid regret,” Emegha said.
The party chairman charged the delegates to cast their votes for aspirants who have the tenacity and ingenuity to sustain and deepen the democratic gains Gov. Dave Umahi’s administration has bequeathed to the state to emerge as candidates.
“I’m convinced that the delegates who are well knowledgeable in Ebonyi politics will be exercising their franchise under a very peaceful atmosphere and considering the need for the likes of Umahi to fly the party’s tickets during the general elections.
” As your chairman, I want you, the delegates to vote in line what will promote the unity and progress of the party.
“Do not cast your ballots to the highest bidder because by so doing, you will mortgage the future of our state.
” As a people, we will cross the bridge in one united voice in the interest of Ebonyi people whose destines are tied to ours.
” Eschew violence by your conduct. We are the pacesetters and therefore, we cannot set bad precedence of any kind,” he added.
Emegha also charged the aspirants to be prepared to test their popularity in the micro election.
“As aspirants prepare to test your popularity among the delegates in the micro polls; you should create room to accept the outcome of the elections.
” For me, there will be no winner or loser because our goal is basically to win the general elections.
” The aspirants should be ready to display the spirit of sportsmanship should the outcome of the exercise did not go down as planned by any of you.
“In case of any difference, there must be room to seek redress from the appropriate quarters rather than taking to violence,”the chairman admonished.
He reiterated the party’s position to give every aspirant equal and unfettered opportunity to participate in the primaries as a way of building confidence in the electoral process and strengthening the existing peace in the party. EN
