The lawmaker representing Oyo North senatorial district in The Senate, Dr AbdulFatai Buhari has disclosed that direct primaries will reduce the influence of money politics.
Buhari, who spoke at a media parley in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital yesterday, emphasized his preference for direct primaries as recently used in Osun state.
Saying that, as a loyal party man, he will abide by whatever options the party adopts, he explained that the constitution of his party- the All Progressives Congress, APC, also provided for other options of selecting a candidate for election such as indirect primaries or through a consensus.
This was just as the former House of Representatives’ member, who is eyeing Oyo governorship seat, said he can only step down for aspirant with some qualities.
According to him, “the aspirant must have been a member of the House of Representatives, a senator, a special adviser to a state governor, a commissioner and must also be a Ph.D holder.
Buhari, who chairs the Senate committee on ICT and Cybercrime in the Senate remarked that, the experiences he had garnered over the years from the various offices he has held in the past, and his present position as a senator, aside been a Phd holder has adequately equipped him to successfully govern Oyo state, however he is willing to set aside his ambition if there his any among the plethora of aspirants in the ruling party jostling for the number one job in the state, who can match or better is credentials.
Speaking on the secret to his success as a politician particularly as it concerns the turbulence usually associated with an election year, the former commissioner for local government and chieftency matters, asserted that as a politician he has always allowed himself to be guided by three principles which are, performance while in office, appreciation for constituents and relationship with authority.
Buhari noted that any politician who is able to manage these principles effectively is not likely to have a sleepless night, even in an election year.
Reacting to clamour by a section of the state to be considered for the governorship ticket of the ruling party in 2019, Buhari said he is saddened when assessment of him is based on where he comes from and not by his competence.
He highlighted that candidate should emerge simply on merit and not by reason of where comes from.
On the recent defection at the national assembly, Buhari remarked that there is nothing new or strange about it, adding that there have always been a history of defection at the national assembly.
“The key to defection is survival,” he said.
