”Electoral Act: Nigeria not ripe for Direct Primaries” – Reps Member

The Member Representing Awka North/South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon Chinedu Onwuaso, says the nation is not yet ripe to adopt direct primaries for election of candidates.

He argued that direct mode of primary elections would not favour weak political parties in a fledgling democratic society such as ours.

Speaking during the maiden town hall meeting with his constituents held in Awka, he said most registered political parties lack financial strength and logistics to adopt the mode if assented to.

The lawmaker added that he was among those who opposed the use of direct primary elections because it could generate more crises for political parties arising from litigations and other challenges.

“We are not ripe for direct primaries because weak political parties cannot cope with it, even strong parties will find it difficult to manage logistics, manpower, litigations and varied interest of party members.”

Onwuaso who is a member, House Committee on Freedom of Information, noted that he had moved a motion to curb incessant killing of youths in the constituency as a result of cult related activities.

He then, solicited for concerted effort by the people and government at all levels to tackle the issue of insecurity to a standstill.

The Lawmaker further explained how he intervened on the issue of failed section of Amansea end of the Enugu-Onitsha Federal Highway by moving an urgent motion on the floor of the House to that effect.

Commenting on constituency projects, he said he had attracted quite a number of road rehabilitation projects, training of youths and street lighting projects.

He said currently a bill for establishment of Federal Medical Center at Mgbakwu near Awka, had been sponsored by him to provide access to health care and jobs for youths.

Nneka Ukachukwu