By Aaron Ossai
Former Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Ethics and Privileges and Convener of the Tinubu-Sheriff Support Group, Hon. Nicholas Ossai, has commended the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC for adopting direct primaries as the mode for electing candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He said the direct primary system strengthens participatory democracy by giving party members the opportunity to directly determine who emerges as candidates, while also testing the true popularity and acceptance of aspirants at the grassroots.
Addressing journalists shortly after submitting his nomination forms to contest for the Ndokwa East/Ndokwa West/Ukwuani Federal Constituency seat of Delta State in the forthcoming elections, the former lawmaker described the adoption of direct primaries as one of the most democratic reforms introduced by the current 10th National Assembly.
“The most democratic aspect of the electoral process and one of the critical reforms supported by the current 10th Assembly is the direct primary system.
“The APC National Working Committee has aligned itself with this process. As the National Chairman stated a few days ago, the party has adopted direct primaries, and I believe this is a step in the right direction for democracy”, he said.
Speaking further, he noted that direct primaries promote inclusiveness and ownership among party members, stressing that candidates who emerge through the process often enjoy broader support and legitimacy within the party.
“I think direct primaries bring about what we call participatory democracy. Whoever emerges victorious through that process usually enjoys the confidence and goodwill of party members because they were part of the journey from the beginning?
“There is always that sense of joy, fulfilment, and acceptance when people freely vote for you. That is the role direct primaries will play in Delta State, and by the grace of God, I believe I am popular among my people,” he added.
Explaining his decision to seek a return to the House of Representatives, Ossai said his years in public service have been marked by impactful representation and developmental initiatives, adding that he still has more to offer his constituents.
“Today, I have the desire to return to the Green Chamber, not the Red Chamber, so that I can continue to address the pressing needs of my people,” he stated.
“When I joined the APC, I made it clear that the PDP structure in Delta State would eventually collapse because the people were yearning for change. The broom symbol of the APC represents that revolution and transformation”, he explained.
