Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Abdul Babajide
Published on 2024-01-30 09:42:31
In Akure, the Ondo State capital, the Senior Pastor of Awaiting the Second Coming of Jesus Christ Ministry, Pastor Adewale Giwa, has spoken out in favor of the adoption of direct primaries by political parties. He believes that direct primaries are the best mode for ensuring the emergence of better candidates and offer a more transparent process for electing leaders compared to the usual practice of indirect primaries. Pastor Giwa argued that indirect primaries often lead to outcomes that can be easily influenced and manipulated, as it encourages a culture of delegates swayed by monetary inducements rather than the character and qualities of the aspirants, ultimately fostering godfatherism within the political sphere to the detriment of the electorate.
He emphasized the importance of leaders being truly elected by the people, particularly delegates, and criticized the current system where delegates are swayed by monetary inducements, even if the person is of questionable character. Pastor Giwa pointed out that when a state relies on a few individuals to handpick its leaders, the potential for genuine development within such a society is severely compromised. He commended the adoption of direct primaries by the APC in Edo as a significant improvement to the system and warned that any party that fails to adopt direct primaries is poised to create problems and confusion.
Furthermore, Pastor Giwa questioned the rationale behind the Christian Association of Nigeria’s endorsement of Aiyedatiwa, expressing doubt about his ability to address the problems facing Ondo State and criticizing the practice of allowing someone to handpick a leader for the state. He emphasized that if a state is unable to elect its own leader and instead relies on someone to handpick a leader, genuine development in the society will be hindered. He also warned of the potential consequences of allowing a person to emerge as a leader through a godfather, as they would likely be beholden to that person’s interests once in power.
Overall, Pastor Giwa’s stance is in favor of direct primaries as a means to ensure transparent and unbiased leadership selection within political parties, ultimately leading to the emergence of better candidates for public office.
