Olukayode Ogunleye writes from Ado Ekiti
As the All Progressives Congress (APC) intensifies preparations for its forthcoming primary elections, growing concerns have continued to trail alleged moves to disqualify some aspirants who have duly purchased nomination forms and fulfilled necessary requirements to participate in the contest.
This development, if allowed to stand, may not only cast a dark shadow on the credibility of the exercise but could also weaken public confidence in the internal democratic process of the ruling party.
Party primaries are designed to provide a level playing ground where aspirants are given equal opportunity to test their popularity, political acceptance, and grassroots strength before party delegates and members. It is the beauty of democracy that every qualified contender should be allowed to face the electorate rather than being edged out through administrative or politically motivated mechanisms.
Many party faithful and political observers have argued that any attempt to disqualify aspirants at this critical stage especially after they have invested resources, mobilized supporters, and officially entered the race would amount to an unfortunate ridicule of the entire process. Such actions could further fuel allegations that predetermined interests are already influencing the outcome of the primaries.
The fear in many quarters is that this may reinforce the growing perception of the notorious “Baba Sope” political culture a system where powerful individuals allegedly decide outcomes behind closed doors while democratic procedures are reduced to mere formalities. Over the years, this practice has continued to attract criticism for undermining transparency, fairness, and merit within the nation’s political space.
Democracy flourishes when competition is encouraged, not suppressed. The APC, as a major political institution in Nigeria, must rise above sentiments and demonstrate to Nigerians that its internal processes are anchored on justice, openness, and respect for democratic principles.
Allowing all cleared aspirants to participate freely in the primaries would not only strengthen the legitimacy of eventual winners but also promote unity within the party after the exercise. Nothing fuels post-primary crisis more than perceived injustice and exclusion.
The APC National Screening Committee, therefore, has a historic responsibility to protect the integrity of the process by ensuring fairness to all aspirants. Those who have purchased forms and satisfied constitutional requirements should be given the opportunity to test their popularity on the field.
At a time when Nigerians are yearning for deeper democratic values, political parties must avoid actions capable of portraying internal elections as mere endorsements orchestrated from above. The credibility of the APC primaries and indeed the confidence of party members depends largely on how transparent and inclusive the process turns out to be.
In the end, democracy is best served when the people are allowed to decide, not when decisions are imposed before the contest even begins.
