2019: No Automatic Tickets For Govs Bello, el-Rufai, Abubakar, As APC Adopts Direct Primaries – APC

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that met on Wednesday in Abuja shut the door against granting automatic tickets to Governors Nasir el-Rufai (Kaduna),Yahaya Bello (Kogi) and Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar (Bauchi).

According to a source that is privy to the matter, the decision of NEC of the APC headed by former Governor Adams Oshiomhole was hinged on the “uninspiring performances of these state executives.

By this decision, the race for the APC governorship race for the primaries has been opened for all new comers, so as to test their approval ratings and give opportunity to the party members to vote for new candidates for the governorship contest in 2019.

In a bid to ensure that fair play is allowed to hold sway, a source added, the party is insisting on direct primaries so as to ensure a transparent system in choosing the governorship candidates.

Another source knowledgeable in the inner workings of the APC said, “It is no secret that the National Chairman of the APC does not enjoy the support of these governors who are hiding under the name of Buhari to secure a comeback bid. And some of these governors have performed so woefully to warrant a re-election.

“Yes it is true; the national chairman is not backing some governors because of their poor performance. He has said repeatedly that the party cannot guarantee automatic ticket for some aspirants, especially governors whose performances have fallen far short of expectations.

“Though these governors are kicking against the direct primaries, it is now certain that direct primaries will be used in the South West. In a bid to confront the internal wrangling within, the party is working towards ensuring that where some of these governors have not performed, they should be allowed to undergo direct primaries to test their acceptance.”

Source: Forefrontng.com