Vice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday waded into the direct and indirect primaries controversy in the National Assembly.
The Senate had adopted the direct primary mode for political parties in the Electoral Act amendment bill.
Consequently, the vice president met with members of the National Assembly yesterday night to resolve the impasse.
Speaking after the meeting, political adviser to the president, Babafemi Ojudu, said the vice president was able to play the role of a conciliator.
He said, “The resolution tonight of the tripartite meeting is a victory for party internal democracy. Tension was high. Emotions predominated but the vice president was able to play the role of a great conciliator.
“While the younger elements in the House of Representatives were vehement and uncompromising in the expression of their preference, the senators were calm but resolute.
“The VP laid out the reasons for calling the meeting and allowed the parties to ventilate. It was a victory for the party, the governors, and the legislators. We should commend the party leaders for reaching an agreement in a democratic manner.
“I think the outcome of today’s meeting is a victory for internal democracy in APC. You recall that, in his sage wisdom, President Muhammadu Buhari had set up a tripartite mechanism to interface whenever conflicts of this nature arose between the party, the body of governors, and members of the National Assembly.
“Acting on the president’s mandate, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo called today’s meeting to allow for all parties to ventilate their voices in a no-holds-barred manner. It was a family meeting.
“At the end, a common ground was reached, direct primaries were upheld and aspirants under our party can now go back to the people and seek endorsement rather than giving a few delegates the power to decide for all,” he added.
