From Amos Tauna, Kaduna
A chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kaduna State, Ibrahim Muhammad, has cautioned the leadership of the party on attempt to alter the already established primary election process in the State.
In a statement he issued titled: “A respectful appeal for unity, due process and democratic principles,” the party chieftain appealed to Henry Seriake Dickson, National Chairman, Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC),
Mr. Peter Obi, Presidential Candidate,
Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Vice presidential Candidate, North-West Leaders, and Senior Party Stakeholders,
The NDC Kaduna State Leadership,
and all distinguished leaders and stakeholders of the NDC drew their attention to the growing concern surrounding the reported attempt to alter the already established primary election process in Kaduna State.
According to him, “With the utmost respect for the leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), I wish to respectfully draw attention to the growing concern surrounding the reported attempt to alter the already established primary election process in Kaduna State.”
Muhammad explained that the matter deserves the careful attention of all responsible leaders, saying that the process of selecting a party’s candidate is central to internal democracy, fairness and the confidence of party members.
He explained, “Where a primary-election procedure has already been established and communicated, any attempt to change it should be undertaken strictly in accordance with the NDC Constitution, applicable electoral law, the party’s approved guidelines and INEC regulations.
“INEC’s current regulations specifically provide procedures for changing the type of primary already submitted to the Commission, including the requirement to notify INEC and state reasons for the proposed change.”
Therefore, he observed that”any unilateral attempt to replace or substantially alter the Kaduna primary process without the required constitutional authority, consultation and regulatory compliance could raise serious questions of legality and internal democracy.”
He stated that it is not an appeal against any individual or faction but an appeal for fairness, transparency and respect for established democratic procedures, stressing that every aspirant and every member deserves confidence that the process will not be changed in a manner that unfairly affects participation or the outcome.
He prayed, “I respectfully appeal to His Excellency Henry Seriake Dickson, Mr. Peter Obi, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the Kaduna State leadership and all NDC stakeholders to carefully examine the matter and ensure that no action is taken outside the party’s constitutional framework and the applicable requirements of INEC.”
Muhammad advised that the issue should be resolved through consultation, dialogue and the appropriate institutional channels, believing that if there is a genuine need to modify the primary process, such modification should be properly justified, constitutionally authorised and transparently communicated to all concerned.
According to him, “Kaduna State is too important to the political development of the NDC for an avoidable internal dispute to undermine the confidence of its members and supporters. A transparent and lawful primary process will strengthen the party, regardless of which aspirant ultimately emerges.
“Let us protect the integrity of the process, respect the rights of every aspirant, and place the long-term interest of the NDC above individual or factional interests.
“Our differences should be resolved through dialogue. Our decisions should be guided by the party constitution and the law. And our democratic processes should always respect the legitimate choices of party members.”
Muhammad opined that the strength of the NDC lies not merely in winning elections, but in demonstrating that it can conduct its internal affairs with fairness, justice, transparency and respect for democratic principles.
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