2023: Gov Ortom speaks on direct primaries, e-transmission of results

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has asked the National Assembly to allow political parties to determine the mode of primaries in order to deepen internal democracy.

Governor Ortom made his position known Thursday in Abuja during an interview with journalists after a meeting of the North Central stakeholders of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, held at the Benue State Government Lodge, Asokoro.

He explained that direct primaries as recently passed by the National Assembly is very expensive to run and does not guarantee internal democracy, stressing that under indirect primaries, aspirants would have the opportunity to interact with delegates to know their worth.

Governor Ortom however welcomed the decision by the National Assembly to allow for electronic transmission of election results, saying it is what Nigerians had long yearned for.

He also appreciated the Northern Caucus of the PDP for the support given to the region to produce the National Chairman of the party, stressing that they were grateful for the development.

Dr Iyorchia Ayu, consensus national chairmanship candidate, in a remark, promised to always consult stakeholders across the country in running affairs of the party, pointing out that as a founding member of the PDP, he will work towards promoting its ideals.

Board of Trustees Chairman of the PDP, Senator Walid Jubrin described Ayu as the best choice that will unite and take the party to greater heights.

The National Legal Adviser and Deputy National Auditor of the party positions zoned to the North Central were ceded to Kwara State and Federal Capital Territory Abuja respectively.