LESSONS FROM THE POLITICAL PARTY PRIMARIES

BY ELIAGWU ABUTU
In compliance with the INEC timetable for the 2011 general elections, political parties have conducted their primaries and elected flag bearers for the April polls. After the hectic exercise, Nigerians now know the candidates of the parties to be voted for during the general elections. The party primaries were expected to be a litmus test ahead of the April polls in terms of the conduct, the attitude of aspirants, delegates, politicians, party supporters and other stakeholders.


Now that the primaries have come and gone, many are of the opinion that there have been a change for the better ,despite various complaints and protests by some aspirants and their supporters in most of the political parties. As the political parties and their flag bearers prepare for the battle ahead, there are some interesting lessons to draw. It must be appreciated that there was high enthusiasm among party men and women as demonstrated by their high turn out for the exercise. This time around the delegates showed that they were willing to be truly involved in the selection process, rather than staying away and allowing the entrenchment of undemocratic practices and choices. This is a reflection of the high spirit and interest of most Nigerians to now actively participate in the electoral processes to be able to elect credible leaders.


Although there was display of undemocratic conduct by some party members at some of the primaries, most delegates, however, having learnt their lessons, avoided provocations as a sacrifice for peace and security that relatively prevailed across the country.
Added to this was the high level of patriotism and commitment displayed by the security agencies in maintaining peace particularly during the various national party conventions in Abuja. Delegates who left their places with fear, in the wake of the spate of bombings to attend the primaries and conventions returned home full of commendations for the effective security arrangement at the various venues. It is expected that the police and other security agencies will improve on the success. Another interesting lesson from the party primaries was the defeat of many incumbents by relatively unknown new aspirants across the parties.
According to media reports, many incumbent senators and members of the House of Representatives may not return following their defeat at the primaries.
The case is the same at the State Houses of Assembly where many incumbents including some speakers lost their bid for re-election.
Other political bigwigs who resigned from public offices were not left out as they could not secure the tickets of their parties at the primaries.
Some analysts have attributed the defeat of such aspirants to lack of constant interaction and consultations with their constituencies. The clear message from this is that it is no longer business as usual. It is therefore expected that this will serve as a lesson to politicians when they are elected to serve the people. Perhaps, the bitter lesson to draw from the party primaries was the spate of defections. While some aspirants may have genuine reasons for cross-carpeting, many may have taken the decision borne out of desperation. For democracy to develop , politicians must imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship by accepting defeat and congratulating the winner.
That is why the reconciliatory moves by some political parties is a welcome development that would reduce tension and prevent violence in the build up to the April polls.
And now that the primaries are over, the political parties are encouraged to re-strategize to ensure that the country records a credible election that will stand the test of time