News Investigators/ A political group under the aegis of the Pate Youth Ambassadors Initiatives (PYI) has called on aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State to adopt consensus candidacy ahead of the party primaries.
The group made the call at a news conference in Bauchi on Saturday.
Its Coordinator, Mohammad Hassan, appealed to aspirants contesting for the positions of governor, Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly to adopt consensus candidacy rather than direct primaries.
The group said the move would promote unity, reduce political tension and strengthen the party’s chances in the state.
Mr Hassan said consensus remained the best democratic option for the party at the current political moment.
He stressed that direct primaries could create unnecessary tension, division and insecurity if not properly managed.
According to him, consensus encourages understanding, reconciliation and party cohesion among members.
“Considering the current security challenges facing the country, conducting direct primaries across different locations may expose party supporters and innocent citizens to avoidable risks.
“At a time Nigerians are calling for peace and stability, political activities should not become avenues for conflict,” he said.
The coordinator recalled the experience during the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) era in the state, where disagreements arising from direct primaries allegedly weakened the party internally.
He said the APC should learn from past political experiences and avoid actions capable of creating disunity among members.
Mr Hassan noted that party stakeholders had earlier met in Abuja and resolved to adopt direct primaries in the state.
He, however, argued that regardless of the method adopted, complaints were inevitable in politics.
“Even if direct primaries are conducted, there will still be complaints because there will always be individuals who disagree with the outcome.
“Where a committee is perceived to support a particular candidate, accusations of favouritism will naturally arise, whether true or not. That is politics,” he said.
The coordinator maintained that consensus remained a better option because it would reduce political hostility and preserve relationships within the party.
He also defended his right to comment on party affairs despite claims that his principal was no longer in the contest.
“I am a politician and a committed APC member. I have every right to express my views on matters concerning the future of the party,” he said.
NAN