Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has asserted that the party’s primaries, which resulted in Atiku Abubakar being named the 2023 presidential candidate, were conducted in a transparent and equitable manner.
In an interview, Ologunagba emphasized that the primaries were not biased toward any specific region but adhered strictly to democratic principles.
Discussing the intricacies of Nigeria’s political landscape, the PDP spokesperson advocated for an inclusive approach in shaping the nation’s political future and urged citizens to move beyond regional divides.
“As a party, we provided an open platform for all qualified candidates to participate. Both northerners and southerners contested, and Atiku Abubakar emerged victorious in the primaries. If this is how democracy functions, there should be no blame placed on anyone,” he stated.
He highlighted Nigeria’s rich ethnic diversity, noting that there are over 45 ethnic groups vying for recognition in the country’s dynamic political environment.
“When assessing the situation in Nigeria, it’s essential to transcend individual partisan interests and focus on the broader picture,” he added.
Regarding Nigeria’s political institutions, Ologunagba called for improvements from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), asserting that it could enhance its performance.
“For the PDP, it is vital that democracy reflects the true will of the people, and that institutions, especially INEC, fulfill their responsibilities effectively,” he remarked.
“I believe we can all agree that INEC has room for improvement. It has not performed to the expectations, and we should collectively acknowledge this, regardless of the specific challenges we face.”
“I’m not advocating for a particular region, nor am I opposing any. My focus is on good governance,” the PDP leader concluded.
