The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, says there is no truth in the rumours making the rounds regarding a list containing purportedly cleared Aspirants by the leadership of All Progressives Congress, APC.
Rt Hon Kalu in a release on Tuesday advised Party members to ignore the speculations that a list of shortlisted candidates has been prepared to fly the flag of our party at the upcoming elections.
While noting that the premise of this alleged list is against the principles of participatory democracy, the Deputy Speaker made it clear that two methods of selecting candidates include direct primaries that require the participation of members and consensus which requires the written consent of other aspirants.
“These, to me, remain the only democratic approach to the coming party Primaries and by this, Aspirants are advised to galvanize the necessary grassroots support required to win Direct Primaries or make use of the alternative tool of deliberation with one another in order to achieve Consensus ad idem which will produce a Consensus Candidate.
“Members of the All Progressives Congress in Abia State are advised to ignore any assumption or suspicion of the
existence of any kind of list from any quarters arising from House of Assembly, National Assembly and Gubernatorial
Primaries.
“If such a list exists anywhere, it is by this announcement rendered null and void,” he declared.
He enjoined party faithful to allow the spirit of the earlier conducted Congresses which was centered around our people to remain alive in them for the conduct of our Primaries.
“Dear Members of the APC family in Abia State, we have work to do. Let us keep tilling the ground as we have been doing and prepare our party for massive electoral victories across contests next year.
“It starts now and we will remain together no matter the antics of disruptors.
“You have the support of the Leadership of the party at all levels. With you, we built a strong and formidable part;
With you, we will sustain it,” the Deputy Speaker assured.
