Controversy on Direct Primaries Should Not scuttle passage of Electoral Bill – Saraki

Former Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki has said that the debate on the propriety or otherwise generated by the passage of direct primary for political parties by the National Assembly must not be allowed to scuttle the electoral bill.

Saraki spoke with journalists in Ilorin on Sunday at the sideline of the 9th memoral prayer for his late father, Dr Olusola Saraki held at the family’s Ilofa road residence, GRA, Ilorin.

According to him, the important thing is for President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the assent to the electoral bill for Nigerians to benefit from its other parts.

“Direct Primaries is best for political parties if properly done. But I am sure Nigerians are not prepared for it because there is still a lot of work to be done.

“But now the the National Assembly has passed it, we should make the best out of the situation rather than allowing the controversy one item to throw away the other good parts of the bill.

“What is important, is for the President to assent to it and enable Nigerians benefit from the other parts”

On the performance of the PDP at the recent election in Anambra where the party came second, Saraki noted that the exercise was a success for Nigeria and democracy.

“The Anambra election was a success story for Nigeria becuase many of us were sceptical that it would hold”

“But it not only held, it was peaceful and credible and we commend INEC for bringing in technology which we have advocated to improve our electoral process.

“Yes, there’s still some works that needed to done, no doubt, but we can improve on that for the next election to be better. People can now say we are having elections that is closer to best practices. That election was a good day for democracy and Nigeria and we thank the security agencies also”, he added.

Saraki said the PDP has demonstrated the capacity and leadership qualities to deliver the country with the way it’s leaders reconciled themselves to hold the National Convention.

He further noted that what is important now is Nigeria and not personal ambition of anybody.

He said “The party that cannot manage itself cannot rule the country”.