Primary: Ambode appeals for fairness

The Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday tasked the panel appointed by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure a level playing field for all aspirants in today’s governorship primary in the state. Ambode, who spoke when he received members of the panel, led by its Chairman, Mr […]

The Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday tasked the panel appointed by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure a level playing field for all aspirants in today’s governorship primary in the state.

Ambode, who spoke when he received members of the panel, led by its Chairman, Mr Clement Ebri, said it was important that the election be seen to be free, fair and credible by all the aspirants.

Expressing confidence in the selection of members of the panel, Gov Ambode said he had no doubt that the panel would live up to expectation and deliver a credible process, which, according to him, would go a long way to determine the future of Nigeria and the greatness of Lagos in particular.

“This is a star-studded election team. They are distinguished Nigerians in their individual and collective rights. There can’t be any better collection of a team to any state election monitoring in this country than the distinguished personalities brought to Lagos. It only shows us the importance that the National Chairman of our great party attaches to what is happening in Lagos.

“I must tell you that what you have taken up may look like a political assignment, but history is on your side that at this very moment in the annals of this history of this country, today marking our 58th Independence anniversary celebration, you are being called upon to discharge a selfless service that would determine the future of this country and the greatness of this particular state.

“Whatever it is that is the outcome of the primaries, your presence has shown that this will be credible and this will be acceptable by me,” he said.

The governor recalled that he had gone through the same process with 12 other aspirants to emerge as governorship candidate of the APC in 2014, saying that it was not out of place to have other aspirants contest for the same ticket this time.

“However, the eventual process of choosing who flies the party’s flag must be seen to be fair to all concerned. All I seek is a credible primary, transparent and with a level playing ground that we will all be proud of at the end of the day for the outcome.

“There were issues that we have raised that we are also trying to correct. The bottom line is this, that we are family, we must not go into the elections divided because this is the very first time that our party is controlling the centre and also the state. That is what I want us to continue.

“The issues that I raised have been put in form of a letter which I would pass to their Chairman and I believe the committee will look into it judiciously,” he said.

He also urged the panel to use its prerogative to decide the best possible time for the election and make a public announcement on the time, date and venues of the exercise to enable members of the party partake in the process.

He sought Ambode’s assistance in ensuring the safety and security of members of the panel, a request which the governor granted, assuring the team that adequate security would be provided to ensure a hitch-free exercise.