House of Representatives and state assembly aspirants on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), in Benue State, have called for transparency in the conduct of the party’s primaries.
The SDP aspirants made the appeal shortly they went through a screening process supervised by the zonal leadership of the party.
This is just as the party’s Zonal Vice Chairman, David Uma, told our correspondent the SDP will use direct primaries to select its candidates for the 2019 polls.
Mr. Uma, also urged aspirants to be of good conduct saying the party will ensure free and fair elections.
But while some of the party’s aspirants including Grace Dooshima Kumbur, Tyough Beetsegh and Dickson Pawa, expressed satisfaction with the screening process, they, however, asked the party to ensure the election process is also fair and open.
Ms. Kumbur, who is contesting for Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency, thanked the party for carrying all aspirants along pledging address the problem faced by her people if voted into office.
She said, “I live among my people and I have a feel of their challenges. That is why I have availed myself to serve so that together we can solve these problems.
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“Our borders are porous especially from the Kwande axis and when I’m elected; we will see how we can tackle these security challenges.”
She encouraged more women to vie for political offices to lend their voices to the development of the nation.
On his part, a House of Representative aspirant, Mr. Pawa said, “so far, the process is free and fair and I have not noticed or suspected any foul play.”
Mr. Powa, who is vying for the Katsina Ala/Ukum Federal Constituency seat, regretted the insecurity ravaging the area.
“I am a retired security officer. I know the challenges of my people. If I win, this case of insecurity will go down drastically because I will bring my experience to bear,” he said.
While noting that zoning favoured him, Mr. Pawa, a former chief detail to immediate past Governor Gabriel Suswam, said he will attract federal presence to his people especially in the area of education and road construction.
Also speaking, Tyough Beetsegh, who is vying for the Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency seat promised effective legislation, youth enlightenment and education and to ensure the area has a voice at the National Assembly.