Ekiti Governorship: Mode Of Primary Election Poses No Threat, Says Senator Opeyemi

Senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial district, Michael Bamidele Opeyemi, said on Monday that the proposed direct or indirect mode of primary election poses no threat to his governorship ambition.

Opeyemi, who currently chairs Southern Governors Forum is a governorship hopeful in Ekiti 2022 election.

He expressed confidence that direct or Indirect primary will not stop him from becoming governorship candidate on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC).

The lawmaker stated this when the Ekiti Concerned Professionals led by Mr. Lekan Ajisafe presented expression of interest nomination cheque to him in Abuja.

He said, “As to my own aspirations in Ekiti, I have no doubt that whether it is direct primary or it is indirect primary you know, I stand a good Chance by the grace of God to win the Primary.

“I know that I am loved by the people of Ekiti state and I know that my own aspiration goes beyond pasting posters on the walls in Ekiti because I am a poster that is already posted on the minds of the people of Ekiti State.”

Opeyemi said he was looking forward to a decent governorship contest based on popularity, ideas and violence free.

“We have in place a governor who is well educated, who is respected by all; who understands the language of democracy and development.”

He expressed optimism that the governor would ensure a conducive atmosphere for everybody to aspire, adding that Ekiti has become a cynosure of all eyes in the country.

He added that the signing of electoral amendment bill which contains direct primary is not about the National Assembly or President Muhammadu Bihari, but it is about Nigerians who are yearning for free and fair election.

The Chairman of Senate Committee on Judiciary said, “At the end of the end of the day it is not about the national assembly, it is not about the national assembly, or any individual or institution.

“It is about the people of Nigeria. Our democracy, the survival of same and growth of same.

“It’s about moving Nigeria forward, those who felt strongly about the idea of putting a clause in our proposed electoral bill to guarantee direct primaries as a method of choosing candidates of political parties meant well for the country.

“Some of those who are trying to oppose it, some of them also have logical arguments. Regardless of who posited what, who was opposed to what, the national assembly has passed a Bill in that regard, and the bill is waiting presidential assent, I want to believe that the President also means very well for Nigeria, he will take a decision he believes is in the best interest of Nigerians and he believes is in the best interest of our democracy and whatever decision he decides, he chooses to take, I’m sure he will also back it up with reasons which Nigerians will also look into.”

Speaking earlier, the leader of the group described Senator Opeyemi Bamidele as tested hand who they are confident that he will move the state forward considering his experience in legislative, judiciary and executive arms of government.