Let there be primaries!

Without doubt the All Progressive Alliance is the most comprehensive coalition the opposition has ever formed in the political history of Nigeria. It has not only brought together three major parties but also amalgamates the most prominent political actors ever. Whether the opposition would live up to the high expectations of Nigerians or not, solely […]

Without doubt the All Progressive Alliance is the most comprehensive coalition the opposition has ever formed in the political history of Nigeria. It has not only brought together three major parties but also amalgamates the most prominent political actors ever. Whether the opposition would live up to the high expectations of Nigerians or not, solely depends on how they manage their presidential primary this month. For, the selection of flag bearers have always been the litmus test that Nigeria’s opposition has failed. In 2003, the concession of the ticket to General Muhammadu Buhari without a primary election caused the breakaway of notable members, some of whom joined or simply covertly worked with the PDP in the polls.
A repeat of the same selection process in 2007 and 2011 in favour of  Buhari produced the same crisis for the opposition and partly brought about their defeat in the election. The same modality of producing candidates caused costly problems for Buhari’s CPC across the country, even in states considered to be their strong-holds. Already, major APC contenders are calling for a level playing ground for all aspirants which could only be assured through primaries. Irrespective of all other considerations, that is the only democratic means of producing candidates that all party members have a right to demand. And failing, for whatever reason to guarantee such entitlement can cause very serious and justified dissension that can cost the opposition their victory.
A positive development that would ease the process for APC and minimize the post-primary election risks is the resolution by the major contenders to remain loyal to the party and it’s flag bearer, irrespective of the outcome of the process. It is now left for the opposition to draw from that spirit and lay the foundation for a strong front through unity.
Primary election is certainly the only process through which political parties can determine their best options for choosing front runners. It is the means by which aspirants are weighed on the scale of variables, in order to decide the one with the most potentials and least odds. Among those credentials is acceptance not only by the wide interests constituting the political party but also those of a diverse country like Nigeria. It is also important to present a candidate with the strongest and most extensive political structure that could ease the campaign and provide practical presence for the party at all polling areas on election day.
Similarly, critical to election success is a candidate that has the energy and vigour to face the rigours of campaign and emerge still agile and strong for the vicissitudes of office. It is also certainly important that the front runner has by dent of experience, a familiarity with the political terrain and could thus rise to occasions and challenges as they occur, both during the election and when in government. The ideal should indeed be an acceptable representative of not only his party but also his country, not only in all parts of the country but also in all parts of the globe.
Dangiwa writes from Sokoto.