KEBBI- Malam Ahmed Baba-Altine, the Executive Secretary, Sokoto State Arabic Board, has called for the adoption of direct primary elections by political parties as a means to reduce the cost of elections and curb corruption in Nigerian politics.
Speaking at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Ambassadors’ Forum in Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi , Baba-Altine stressed that direct primaries were the key to ensuring better political representation and limiting vote-buying practices.
“Direct primaries will compel politicians to focus on good representation. It will also significantly curb vote-buying,” Baba-Altine remarked.
He further criticised the current system of delegates-based primaries, stating, “Once politicians are elected through this system, they disappear until the next election, only to resurface with money to secure their return.”
Baba-Altine emphasised that no democracy can thrive on deceit and corruption and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to make public debates among politicians mandatory before elections.
“This will allow the electorate to hold those seeking re-election accountable for their performance during their previous mandate,” he added.
He also praised Sen. Aliyu Wamakko (APC-Sokoto North) for his pivotal role in building the APC in the North-West region, describing him as a father figure and leader to the party in the area.
Baba-Altine said that the APC family in the North-West remains loyal to Wamakko for his contributions to the party’s growth. (NAN)
