As delegates to the All Progressives Congress (APC) prepare to vote for the party’s presidential candidate for the 2023 general election, Nigerians have called for a process without rancor.
Some Abuja residents made the call while speaking with the Nigerian News Agency (NAN), on Tuesday, on the sidelines of the APC Special Convention taking place in the city.
Residents urged APC to ensure a credible presidential candidate emerges to fly their flag in 2023.
They demanded a non-contested election to move the country forward and stabilize politics.
One resident, Tony Okosun, said it was imperative that the party have a grudge-free primary that would usher in a smooth transition.
Okosun added that most Nigerians admired the ruling party for producing a candidate that would be acceptable to most Nigerians.
He urged delegates in good conscience to truly represent the interests of their people by choosing a more acceptable candidate, adding that they should keep in mind that they were keeping their vote in confidence for the people.
‘Money should not be a determining factor’
Kemi Oni, a public official, also called on delegates to ensure that money does not determine the outcome of the primaries.
He stressed that any attempt to place money above competition and acceptability would not bode well for the match.
Ms. Oni said Nigerians would hold delegates accountable if they chose a presidential candidate who did not appeal to the people, adding that such a candidate would be eliminated in the general election.
She said it was about time Nigeria and Nigerians got the best of political parties, adding that the era where money played a major factor in determining who won an election should be gone.
‘Southeastern or pan-Nigerian candidate’
Chukwu Samuel, a spare parts dealer, urged the party leaders to consider choosing a worthy and credible Igbo leader as the APC candidate who would appease the feelings of the people.
However, he said that in case a challenger from the southeast could not get it, a candidate with a pan-Nigerian outlook and more acceptable across the board should be considered as a presidential candidate.
Also speaking, Fatima Usman, a student, urged APC to produce a candidate that takes into account the welfare of students and shows concern for their difficulties.
He added that a situation where higher education institutions would be closed due to strikes and leaders would not increase should end.
Others who spoke also agreed that the party needed to ensure that Nigeria got it right by choosing a credible candidate who could compete favorably with other opposition parties in the general election. (YAYA)
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