Electoral Bill: APC Committed To Transparent, Credible Electioneering Process – Akpanudoedehe

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has vowed to remain solidly committed and support constitutionally permitted as well as practical innovations and processes that will improve the transparency and credibility of Nigeria’s electioneering processes and internal democracy.

In what looks like its first reaction to President Muhammadu Buhari withholding of assent to the Electoral Act 2010 Amendment Bill 2021, the party said it was no opposition to any innovation that would enhance the integrity of the electoral system, specifically with the nomination of political party candidates.

This position was contained in a Christmas message to party members and all Christians in the country by the Secretary of the Caretaker/Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of the party, Senator John James Akpanudoedehe, on Friday in Abuja.

The party has remained silent since Tuesday when the President returned the bill to the National Assembly faulting the inclusion of direct primary as the mode of nominating candidates by political parties for elective offices.

Reacting, the Secretary said: “The polity is rife with assorted views on the 2021 Electoral Act Amendment Bill. For us in the APC, we remain solidly committed and support constitutionally permitted as well as practical innovations and processes that will improve the transparency and credibility of Nigeria’s electioneering processes and internal democracy, specifically the nomination of political party candidates. “

Assuring Nigerians of a buoyant 2022, the party noted that the recently-launched National Development Plan (NDP) for 2021 to 2025 will further spur the country to achieve robust development through the use of science, technology and innovation to drive growth.

The plan, according to Akpanudoedehe, would consolidate the implementation of ongoing major infrastructure and other development projects across the country and open up economic opportunities for Nigerians in the years to come.

As the people celebrate the Yuletide, the party urged Nigerians to pray and support security men and women for their selfless service at ensuring that the season is marked peacefully.

The secretary then assured Nigerians of the federal government’s “capacity, intent and urgency to check and contain all criminalities so that Nigerians can go about their legitimate activities across the country safely.”

The APC  felicitated Christians as they mark and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Akpanudoedehe said: “In the true essence of Christmas, the party urges all to use the joyful season to give and show love to our fellow men, particularly the needy and vulnerable among us.

“The APC wishes all a Merry Christmas and urges citizens to pray for a prosperous 2022 New Year.”