2019: CNPP URGES PARTIES TO STRENGTHEN INTERNAL DEMOCRACY

The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) has urged political parties to make spirited efforts to strengthen democracy internally.

The Lagos State Secretary of CNPP, Mr Olumide Oguntoyinbo, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Lagos on Friday.

He said parties’ internal democracy is central to the development of the country ‘s democratic culture and the delivery of good governance.

Oguntoyinbo urged parties to avoid imposition of candidates and ensure primaries are free and fair as they prepare for the 2019 general elections.

“One of the major problems of the country ‘s democracy is lack of internal democracy in political parties.

“The knack of some political parties to impose candidates rather conduct free and fair primaries for elections not only promotes violence but bad governance.

“It is high time our democracy outgrew the retrogressive culture of imposition of candidates against the wishes of the people in our parties.

“As parties prepare for the 2019 elections, we advise that they should shun candidates imposition by conducting unrestricted primaries and ensuring only the best emerge.

“It is by so doing that we can prevent violence before, during and after the election, grow our democracy and promote good governance,” he said.

The CNPP secretary also urged the electorate to play their part in growing the nation’s democracy by voting credible candidates in 2019.

He urged citizens not to sell their votes for money or allow themselves to be used as tools of violence by bad politicians.

Oguntoyinbo advised Nigerians who have yet to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards to do so to enable them decide their leaders.

“Your vote is your power. You can only exercise the power and decide your leaders with your PVC.

“We urge all those who are eligible to vote but do not have PVC yet to do so.

“People who do not vote should not complain about bad leaders,” he said.

According to him, the CNPP is open to partnership with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other stakeholders to ensure peaceful conduct of 2019 elections.

Oguntoyinbo said the zonal congress of South West of CNPP would hold in February, at which a new executive team would be elected.

He said 24 candidates would be contesting for the different positions at the congress.