Chief Nkama Orji Uka, a crucial member of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), has strongly denounced the idea of granting automatic tickets to current National Assembly members, pointing out that those advocating for such tickets were probably trying to avoid open competition out of concern for losing the primaries.
In a statement he issued, signed, and distributed to reporters in Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State, Uka made this public, characterizing the action as anti-democratic and potentially destabilizing the party.
A free, fair, and credible primary election is still the best method to guarantee that the most well-liked and qualified candidates emerge to represent the party, he said, cautioning that such a move would damage equity, justice, and fairness within the state’s political system.
“The goal of presenting the best candidates unites stakeholders throughout the state. He declared, “Those who have performed poorly ought not to be permitted to fly the party’s flag.”
Uka pointed out that the state APC chairman had continuously insisted that the party would not run unpopular candidates, emphasizing that direct primaries would enable voters to select the representatives of their choice.
He further said that the governor and party leadership were under increasing pressure from certain current lawmakers to implement an automatic ticket system for all incumbents.
The stakeholder urged Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, the chairman of the state party, Governor Francis Nwifuru, and other relevant parties to oppose purported attempts to give automatic tickets to active members of the National and State Assemblies prior to the party primaries.
As a true democrat, I implore Governor Francis Nwifuru to resist such pressure. In addition to being against equity, justice, and fairness, this action has the potential to damage the harmony and serenity that the APC currently enjoys, he stated.
Additionally, the APC chieftain noted that Ebonyi State uses a rotation system among clans, towns, and local government districts. He cautioned that automatic tickets will upset this structure and prevent other areas from producing candidates.
In the run-up to the general elections in 2027, he warned that such a decision may alienate disgruntled stakeholders and possibly drive them to alternative political platforms.
Uka stressed that many towns in the state had qualified representatives who could represent them in both the State Assembly and the National Assembly, and that automatic tickets would unjustly keep them out of the competition.
He insisted that opposing the plan was essential to avoiding the party’s internal strife and potential electoral losses.
Uka expressed trust in the governor’s ability to lead and urged him to support open and competitive primaries in order to preserve democratic values.
“The people of Ebonyi State, who overwhelmingly backed the APC in the 2023 general elections, stand to gain from my appeal. Additionally, they ought to have the chance to select the candidates of their choice through a legitimate primary process, he continued.
