High hopes are being expressed by members of the ruling party in the two states where governorship elections will be conducted towards the end of the year 2019.
The primary elections in those states are generating interest as more political gladiators are interested in flying the flag of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the two states in the coming contest.
The APC has promised to provide a level-playing field to all aspirants planning to use its platform for the upcoming Kogi and Bayelsa State governorship elections.
According to Daily Trust, the APC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, made the promise on Monday in a statement issued to caution party members, supporters and the general public on the fake news being spread in the social media on the two coming elections.
Issa-Onilu said the National Working Committee (NWC) would abide by the rules at every stage of the process of primary elections in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s vision for the country and APC’s continued effort towards deepening participatory democracy. The APC spokesman, who said relevant information and the official party guidelines for the respective elections will be released by the party through official channels in due course, advised that the fake news and quotes be ignored.
“We had initially ignored the fake statements but it has become necessary to debunk the several fake quotes, which are increasingly gaining traction, particularly many of such statements being ascribed to the Party and the National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.
“It should be noted that neither the party nor the National Chairman has made any statement at any forum regarding these elections. The numerous quotes being ascribed to the party and the National Chairman are mere fabrications intended for mischief.
“APC has demonstrated absolute fidelity to the best democratic practices in the manners the party has conducted its affairs so far. As a progressive party, we are focused on even doing better as we look forward to the commencement of new 4-year tenure,” the statement read.
In the case of Kogi, the incumbent Governor Yahaya Bello has declared his intention to contest for second term in office. But, other people are interested in contesting the APC ticket with him which will make the primary election a keen one.
Whereas in Bayelsa, the APC is an opposition party there. Producing a strong and popular candidate will help the APC to give the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the state a good fight in the election.
This will help the APC especially as it aims to take over power by defeating the PDP.
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