A prominent grassroots political organization, the New Delta Grassroots Movement, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his victory in the just-concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary election while calling for a thorough review of complaints arising from the party's direct primary process.
In a statement signed by its Convener, Engr. Felix Akpoyibo, the group described Tinubu's emergence as a reflection of the confidence party members across the country continue to place in his leadership, political experience and commitment to the growth and unity of Nigeria.
The movement also praised the APC leadership for introducing the direct primary system, describing it as a progressive democratic reform intended to deepen internal democracy, strengthen grassroots participation and give party members a greater role in determining the party's future.
While acknowledging the noble intentions behind the exercise, the group alleged that the process was compromised in some parts of the country by vested interests through candidate imposition, exclusion of genuine party members and other practices that undermined the essence of direct primaries.
Citing the words of Aristotle that "the basis of a democratic state is liberty," the statement stressed that the success of direct primaries depends on the freedom of party members to choose their representatives without interference.
The group therefore appealed to President Tinubu to prevail on relevant organs of the APC to carefully examine petitions and complaints arising from the primaries, ensure justice in deserving cases and implement corrective measures where irregularities are established.
It further urged the party leadership to investigate allegations of imposition and undue influence in the candidate selection process and ensure that the will of party members remains supreme. It also called for sanctions against individuals found culpable of compromising the integrity of the exercise, irrespective of their status within the party.
Referencing Roman statesman Cicero, the movement argued that the welfare of party members and the long-term stability of the APC should take precedence over personal interests, warning that unresolved grievances could create avoidable divisions within the ruling party.
The group expressed confidence that under Tinubu's leadership, the APC would demonstrate fairness and courage by addressing legitimate concerns, strengthening internal democracy and restoring confidence in the party's electoral processes.
It also urged the party to draw lessons from the exercise, close loopholes that enabled alleged abuses and ensure that future primaries fully reflect the principles of transparency, accountability and grassroots participation.
The statement concluded by congratulating President Tinubu on his victory and reaffirming the group's support for his leadership, expressing optimism that the APC would emerge stronger, more united and more democratic through a fair resolution of all issues arising from the primary elections.
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