Antonia Ally, a house of representatives hopeful on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says she is being “pressured” to step down for another aspirant ahead of the party’s primary election.
The ruling party had fixed Friday (today) for its nationwide house of representatives primaries, but later shifted the exercise to Saturday.
In a statement issued on Friday, Ally, an aspirant for Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku federal constituency in Cross River, said she has not received a “clear communication” from the party on her screening ahead of the primary poll.
“As an aspirant and loyal party member, I have repeatedly sought official clarification regarding my screening status and, where necessary, any reasons for disqualification, in line with due process and the principles of internal democracy,” the statement reads.
“Rather than formal communication, I have consistently been urged to step down in favour of another aspirant. I wish to respectfully state that I remain committed to the APC and to the democratic ideals our party represents.
“I also respectfully maintain my right to participate in a fair and transparent primary process as provided for under the party’s constitutional framework and Nigeria’s electoral laws.
“Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Oluremi Tinubu, many women across Nigeria have found renewed courage to participate actively in politics and public service. It would be unfortunate if such encouragement were undermined at the grassroots level.
She said her aspiration was driven by “service, conviction, and the desire to contribute meaningfully” to the development of her constituency and the APC.
Ally expressed hope that “fairness, transparency, and due process” would prevail in the conduct of the party primaries.
