The Governors elected on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, held a crucial meeting in Abuja on Sunday night till Monday....CONTINUE READING
It was expected that the Governors would discuss vital issues about the polity and the party so that they would reach major decisions. Some of the issues that were up for discussion were: the forthcoming APC National Convention, the direct primary bill passed by the Senate among other issues. While it appeared that the meeting was moving on smoothly, things took another turn when the issue of direct primary came up for discussion.
Two Governor engage in verbal exchange
The direct primary which has been causing clash of interests still did the same thing among APC Governors. While some backed it, others were against it. According to a report by The Punch, the issue led to exchange of words between Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State and Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State. Obviously, Sule was speaking in support of direct primary which he believes is more democratic. But, Bello is the main dissenting voice who spoke up against the direct primary insisting that parties should have options to choose from. That was what led to the verbal exchange during their meeting. The report added that the APC Governors were divided on the issue.
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How will the deadlock be resolved?
The main deadlock here is that the APC Governors could not reach agreement on the key issue of whether to back or reject the direct primary bill. Yet, they would need to reach an agreement and take a stand on this issue since the bill has been transmitted to the President. The bill will affects them too in one way or the other. The bill will play a key role in their political ambitions in future elections. So, the decision they make now over the issue will go a long way in in probably helping to convince President Muhammadu Buhari to either approve the bill or reject it.
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Specifically on how they can resolve the deadlock, APC Governors may need to talk to one another first. Let them discuss the bill dispassionately and know the pros and cons of having the direct primary bill passed or rejected. This will help them to make up their minds on which side to take. After that, then they also need to consider the bigger interest of Nigeria as a country and the interest of the Nigerians people who so much cherish the flourishing of democracy in the country. If they consider these factors, the factors will guide their decisions as well.
APC Governors meet in Abuja
Finally, if they cannot reach an agreement, then the Chairman of the APC Governors forum, Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State, can subject the issue to voting. In this regard, what the majority of them vote for will prevail. However, that will be their stand. It may or may not be accepted by President Buhari whose signature will make the bill to become a law.
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