Mixed reactions have trailed the decision of the PDP chairmanship candidate in the forthcoming Abuja council election, Julius Adamu, to step down for the APC flag bearer, Joshua Ishaku.
Some residents, who expressed their views in separate interviews on Thursday in Bwari, said they were worried about the true practice of democracy, while others lauded the move.
Mr Adamu, who was contesting on the PDP platform, had announced his withdrawal from the race on Wednesday and declared support for the APC candidate.
He stated that the decision followed consultations with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Mr Adamu further stated that the move was taken “in the interest of unity and peace”, while also calling on his supporters to rally behind the APC candidate to ensure victory at the polls.
A resident of the area, James Ambo, said that such decisions, made barely three days before the election, could mean they were only beneficial to the politicians rather than the people.
“It could either be about money, position or for the interest of some high and mighty, which, unfortunately, is at the detriment of the grassroots people who are hopeful that true democracy prevails.
“It is quite unfortunate that no one cares about how we supporters and the electorate feel in all these. They only think of their own interests,” Mr Ambo said.
Similarly, Elekwachi Stephen said that democracy in politics is meant to bring hope to the people, not a game of power and control by a particular group or person.
Mr Stephen also expressed concern that the move might demoralise some of the electorate from voting on Saturday, with the fear that their votes might not count.
Abigail Dauda said she had been frustrated by the entire process and was now indifferent about who would become the area council’s chairman.
Ms Dauda said that if only politicians would remove “selfish intentions” and genuinely lead the people with pure intentions and a fear of God, society could be a better place, free from evil.
However, Caleb Abaji said that Mr Adamu’s decision was a worthy one and that it demonstrated “true followership of a disciple to his leader”.
According to him, both parties have shown that, irrespective of their political differences, they are willing to make sacrifices for democracy and to bring development to the people of the FCT.
Comfort Elias called the move “simply the will of God”. Ms Elias, however, urged all good-spirited people within the area council to come out en masse on Saturday and vote for the progress and development of the area.
The Supreme Court had, on Monday, affirmed Joshua Ishaku as the lawful chairmanship candidate of APC for the Saturday election.
A five-member panel of the apex court, led by Justice Jamilu Tukur, in a decisive four-to-one judgment, resolved the dispute over the rightful APC chairmanship candidate for the area council election.
Mr Tukur, in the judgment, set aside the majority decision of the Court of Appeal, Abuja, which had upheld the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, judgment declaring Haruna Audi as the APC chairmanship candidate.
(NAN)