Edo 2020: Sagay Backs Oshiomhole, Says Direct Primary More Democratic

Professor Itse Sagay SAN, Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), on Sunday said he is in support of the decision of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to adopt direct primary method for the selection of the party's governorship candidate in Edo State.

The Edo state chapter of the APC and the national leadership of the party are currently locked in a battle on the mode of primary to be used in choosing the flagbearer of the party.

While Edo APC led by Anselm Ojezua said it is adopting the indirect primary method for the emergence of the party's flagbearer in the September 19, 2020 governorship election in the state, the NWC said it has adopted the direct primary option.

Speaking with DAILY INDEPENDENT, Sagay said any aspirant who feels he is popular with the party members shouldn't oppose the direct primary method, which according to him is more democratic.

"My impression is that it is the national body that organises primaries for governorship elections, not the state executive of APC. If that is the case, what it means is that Oshiomhole is right.

"Secondly, in my view, the direct primary in which all party members are allowed to participate is more democratic, it reflects the views and aspirations of all the members in the grassroots but the indirect primary in which only delegates are allowed to vote is subject to manipulation, imposition and so it is undemocratic.

"So, I prefer the direct primary method and I believe the APC NWC has the right to determine which type of primary should be adopted. Any contender who is popular with the people will prefer the direct primary method," Sagay said.