Ahj. Isa Abubakar-Umar, Emir of Awe, Nasarawa State, has cautioned political parties against imposing candidates on the people ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Emir made the call when Adamu Ninga, Nasarawa State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led the State Working Committee (SWC) members of the party on a thank you visit to Awe Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
The SWC of the party were on a thank you visit to the 13 LGAs of the state to appreciate members for electing them to pilot the affairs of the party in the next three years.
The traditional ruler emphasised the importance of respecting the will of the electorate by ensuring that the candidate selection is done transparently.
“The imposition of candidates can undermine the democratic process, potentially leading to political apathy.
“Imposition can lead to intra-party conflicts and disputes, loss of trust, voters may lose faith in the electoral process and institutions,” he added.
The Emir highlighted the need for transparent and inclusive party primaries that allow candidates to emerge through a democratic process.
“This approach can help build trust, promote credible leadership, and ensure that elected officials genuinely represent the people’s will,” he added.
Earlier, the PDP Chairman said that the thank-you visit was to express gratitude to party members for entrusting them with the leadership of the party for the next three years.
Ninga noted that the support they received from the people cannot be taken for granted and expressed commitment to building strong relationships with party stakeholders.
He further said that it was also an opportunity to strengthen ties with party stakeholders, fostering unity and cooperation to improve the fortune of the party in future elections.
He assured them that the party under his leadership would run an open-door policy to carry everyone along.
The PDP Chairman, therefore, promised that the party would create a level playing ground for every aspirant who would contest the 2027 election in the party.
The team had also visited the palaces of the Osana of Keana, Kean LGA, Dr Abdullahi Amegba-Agbo, and Osuko of Obi, Obi LGA, Dangiwa Orume, before meeting with the party stakeholders from the respective areas. (NAN).