IKORODU (LAGOS) – Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has commended the peaceful conduct of All Progressives Congress (APC) direct primaries in Lagos East, describing the exercise as transparent and grassroots-driven.
Dabiri-Erewa spoke on Monday in Lagos during the APC senatorial primaries for Sen. Tokunbo Abiru in Ikorodu,
She said the direct primary system had given party members at the ward level greater participation in the party’s decision-making process.
“We saw what happened during the House of Representatives primaries and now here for the senatorial seat.
“The process has been peaceful and transparent.
“Power has genuinely been transferred to the grassroots,” she said.
The primaries attracted a large turnout of party supporters despite Abiru contesting unopposed, with supporters singing and dancing during the affirmation process.
According to Dabiri-Erewa, the participation reflected growing confidence in the APC’s internal democratic process.
“You cannot take people for granted. Everybody wants to have a say in who represents them. That is what will deepen democracy and encourage broader participation,” she said.
The former lawmaker praised party members in Ikorodu for maintaining orderliness and peaceful conduct throughout the exercise.
“You can see it is like a celebration. There is calmness, people are peaceful and everyone is here to support the party.
“Politics should not be about fighting. It should be about choosing what is best for the people,” she added.
Dabiri-Erewa also credited the party’s leadership with promoting unity, discipline and internal cohesion among members.
She further expressed support for the administration of President Bola Tinubu, describing his economic reforms as difficult but necessary for national development.
According to her, the administration’s policies are beginning to stabilise the economy despite the temporary hardship associated with the reforms.
“There is no dual exchange rate system anymore, and the economy is being placed on a more stable path.
“The reforms are tough, but only a courageous leader could have taken such decisions,” she said.
She added that the nation’s economic reforms were receiving international recognition, citing recent discussions in Kigali, Rwanda, where the administration’s policies were positively acknowledged.
Dabiri-Erewa urged APC members to continue mobilising support for President Tinubu ahead of future elections, stressing the need for continuity to fully implement the administration’s agenda.
“He has promised good governance, transparency and sincerity, and we believe in his leadership.
“We will work tirelessly to ensure free and successful elections,” she said.
She said the Lagos East Senatorial District remained one of the APC’s major strongholds in Lagos State as party leaders continued efforts to consolidate support ahead of future electoral contests.
