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Days to the ruling
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) primaries for the Senate and House of
Representatives in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the FCT
Minister, Bala Mohammed, has appealed to contestants to shun violence
and activities that may undermine the city’s security. Addressing the
contestants in a meeting on Tuesday, the minister said that the FCT
administration is committed to the free and credible election of
representatives of the party, adding that he has not anointed any
candidate as has been rumoured.

“We are trying to
bring a new face of leadership in Nigeria,” he said. Mr Mohammed noted
that “in the local government election we had, we provided a level
playing field” and he continued, stating that “we are not going to
anoint any candidate because I believe all contestants represent the
party and we are trying to implement that policy of fairness, justice
and equity so that emerging leadership will be leadership that is
guided as a process where the common people have a pinch of leadership
where they participate in determining who emerges as a leader.” Mr
Mohammed also noted that there is need for maximum security because the
country is overheated.

“We want you to
continue to conduct yourself with this posture of accommodation,
politics without bitterness so that our party will remain together,” he
told the contestants.

Calling the
contenders to collectively support the eventual winner, the minister
said that “we will try as much as possible to provide a level playing
field so that nobody will be excluded or persecuted. Collapse your
interest and support the winners. Live and let live, no acrimony, no
mistrust. Not for opportunism or personal interest. I will supervise.
Let the chairman make everything very transparent.”

A number of contestants

On the large number
of contestants for the three positions available in FCT, the minister
said it is a reflection of democracy in Nigeria.

“This is what we
call representative democracy. Abuja is the centre of the nation; a
pivotal role. Abuja has always been peaceful,” he said, adding that the
primaries will be an eye opener.

The minister of state for the FCT, Caleb Olubolade, also urged the politicians to minimize violence.

“You cannot afford to take a position after taking lives,” he said. “Do not portray Nigeria in a bad light.”

There are over 30 contestants for the two Houses of Representatives
and one senatorial seat in the Federal Capital Territory while 1,400
delegates will participate at the primary election holding on tomorrow
at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja. Also present at the meeting was the
FCT’s police commissioner, John Haruna, and the PDP chairperson in FCT,
Haji Gwagwa.