APC Defends Candidate Substitutions After Primaries
Felix Molka, the national communications director for the All Progressives Congress (APC), reaffirmed the party’s stance on candidate substitutions following the primaries, clarifying that those who missed the primaries were not declared winners.
Addressing Allegations of Arbitrary Candidate Changes
In response to accusations regarding the arbitrary reshuffling of candidates and the allocation of tickets to individuals who did not participate in the primaries, Molka provided insights into the party’s internal processes. He emphasized that any changes made were guided by recommendations from the Appeals Committee, which were subsequently reviewed by the National Working Committee.
Volume of Petitions from Aspirants
During an interview with ARISE NEWS, Molka revealed that the APC had received over 720 petitions from disgruntled aspirants post-primaries. He noted that the National Working Committee took its responsibility seriously, evaluating these petitions in conjunction with the Appeals Committee’s findings.
Clarifying the Nature of the Primary Process
Responding to concerns about potential violations of election laws related to candidate substitutions, Molka highlighted that the primary process is multifaceted, encompassing not just voting but also dispute resolution. He stressed that the appeals process is an integral component of the primaries rather than a separate or improvised procedure.
Denial of Claims Involving Candidate Ticketing
Molka firmly rejected allegations that the APC awarded tickets to individuals who had neither purchased nomination papers nor participated in the primaries. He stated that he was unaware of any such instances and encouraged anyone with specific examples to bring them forward for further investigation.
Engagement with Discontented Aspirants
While acknowledging some dissatisfaction among aspirants regarding the primary outcomes, an APC spokesperson indicated that the party made a deliberate effort to review all petitions. The spokesperson reassured those affected that the process was transparent and not influenced by personal interests. The party is actively engaging with disgruntled applicants to clarify that the selection process was impartial.
Confident Stance Ahead of Upcoming Elections
Molka expressed confidence regarding the party’s preparations for the upcoming general elections, despite ongoing concerns. Highlighting the APC’s impressive track record since the 2023 elections, he dismissed any notion of fear, asserting that the party is committed to maintaining its momentum and achieving success in future elections.
