PDP/APC defectors: Hon . Rufus Bature says ,”There won’t be any special preferential treatment for any particular positions”.

PDP/APC defectors: Hon . Rufus Bature says ,”There won’t be any special preferential treatment for any particular positions”.

By Yakubu Busari

The Plateau State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has assured all aspirants vying for elective position of promising  a “level playing ground” for all aspirants.

Speaking to journalists after meeting held at the party secretariat Kalwa House on Friday ,the APC Chairman Hon Rufus Bature represented by  Publicity Secretary ,Hon .  Wumana Bako explained that no special candidates for the forthcoming general elections in Plateau State.

According to him, the party is ready to conduct hitch free elections in Plateau State without any rancour , citing the electoral act, the party will use 2 modes: consensus, then direct primaries if consensus fails.

Bature stated that a party official briefing on the APC primaries process in Plateau State was educate and enlighten all aspirants vying for election on modus operandi and peaceful exercise during and after the primaries.

He stressed that the party held a “friendly discussion” with all aspirants for House of Assembly, Senate, and Governorship and the goal is to familiarise with them , introduce everyone, and know who’s paying for expression of interest  nomination forms.

Rufus pointed out that, the meeting offered them armful opportunity to passed  “vital information” about the primary process based on the party timetable released from national office.

He emphasized that the APC adopted consensus vs Direct and promised a “level playing ground” for all adding , consensus, then direct primaries if consensus fails.

” If consensus doesn’t work for any position, they’ll go to direct primaries. No preferential treatment for any office, including governor or president.

” Role of the governor after President’s directive*

Mr  President said supporters should liaise with governors on primaries”,he added.

He clarified that Governors are party leaders in their respective states and members of the State Working Committee so they won’t “single-handedly take decisions.”

The SWC will work with the governor to conduct “one of the most peaceful and free” elections.

President didn’t mean governors choose winners  just that they ensure a free process.

The Chairman noted that handling conflicts / key positions like governor, senate Party is “law abiding” and will follow the Electoral Act.

He says ,the same process for all positions: try consensus first, then direct primaries if it fails even  Mr President has opponents, and the governor also has someone who purchased forms. If consensus fails, they contest.

Bature maintained that On PDP defectors joining APC,he says “we are gone  past that PDP/APC era.”

Now it’s “one indivisible party” with no divisions resolved to work as one family.

 “There won’t be any special preferential treatment for any particular positions… if consensus didn’t work we go for the next, that’s the direct primaries for all the positions contested for.”