Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, has explained why he pushed for direct primaries in the Electoral Act Amendment.

Gbajabiamila said direct primaries would bring more accountability and adequate representation as political office holders would not be restricted to pleasing a group of few people selected as delegates, but would work for the interest of the generality of their party members, and by extension the electorate.

Why direct primaries

If I know that my return will depend on some few men, I may care about you. But if I know that my return will depend on my accountability and representation to the people, I will do the right thing.

Participatory democracy

It is important for this generation to open the door of leadership to the next generation. We must allow every Nigerian to participate fully in the process of leadership. I, therefore, stand with direct primaries

That’s why I said at different fora that I’m for direct primaries. We have to do this for the sake of the institution.

When you gather yourselves (as youths), chances are that you’ll win. Democracy is a government of the people. Democracy is not just a general election. It starts from the primaries.

Youths must take advantage

Nigerian youths must take advantage of the new amendment because power is not served a la carte.

I’ll ask that you carry that advocacy out there because it’s for you.

The youth are the greatest asset of any nation, not just in Nigeria.

Since the Not Too Young to Run became law, you’ve not taken advantage of that. The Act appears to be a paper tiger. The enabling environment to work for that Act isn’t capitalized on.