Primary

By Deborah Coker, News Agency of Nigeria, Abuja.

Mr Preye Okaba, one of the participants in the APC Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency primary election, has congratulated Basil Ganagana who won the primary.

Okaba, in his congratulatory letter made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Abuja on Friday, also condemned what he described as misinformation by a section of the media.

He said that his attention had been drawn to several conflicting narratives and misleading reports circulating in
certain quarters regarding the APC primary for Bomadi/Patani federal constituency seat conducted on May 15 in Bomadi.

“As one of the aspirants who actively participated in the primary election, I consider it necessary, in the interest of truth, fairness and democratic responsibility, to clearly state that the election was indeed conducted peacefully, openly and in a credible manner.

“This is contrary to the false claims being circulated that the primaries was compromised or did not hold.

“From my direct participation and observations, the process was orderly, transparent and one of the most credible primary elections conducted in recent political history within the Bomadi/Patani federal constituency.

“The people exercised their democratic rights freely and the atmosphere throughout the exercise remained peaceful and largely devoid of violence or intimidation,” he said.

Having participated fully in the process, I hereby accept the outcome of the election, as announced by the party authorities and respectfully concede defeat.

“I also extend my warm congratulations to Rt. Hon. Basil Ganagana on his emergence as the winner of the APC primaries and the party’s candidate for the 2027 Bomadi/Patani federal constituency election,” he said.

Okaba described Ganagana’s victory as a well deserved one within the context of
democratic principles.

“Democracy thrives not only when people contest elections but more importantly, when participants respect the outcome of credible democratic processes.

“Election is not a do-or-die affair. It is fundamentally about service to the people.

“In every democratic contest, there will always be winners and others who may not emerge victorious at a particular time.

“The fact that one does not win today does not diminish one’s value, relevance or future political opportunities. That is the beauty and strength of democracy.

“I therefore appeal to all supporters, stakeholders and party faithful to remain peaceful, united and committed to the collective progress of our party and the overall development of Bomadi/Patani federal
constituency,” he said.

Okaba stated that at this critical moment, what was required was reconciliation, maturity and support for the democratic
process rather than the spreading of false narratives capable of creating unnecessary tension within the
constituency.

“Once again, I congratulate Basil Ganagana and wish him success in the task ahead,” he added.

NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA