From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Northern Patriotic Forum has demanded automatic tickets for all serving lawmakers on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Forum’s Convener, Abacha Ali, told journalists on Wednesday, June 4, in Abuja, that the move would advance the course of democracy, deepen legislative proceedings, and enhance understanding.
Ali cited the United States and other Western nations, from which Nigeria adopted its presidential system of government, where most members of their parliaments have spent decades, thereby helping to enrich parliamentary debates and articulate legislation that further enhances democratic practices.
He said, “It is pertinent to state here that, even in advanced democracies, such as the United States and other Western nations, from which we copied our presidential system of government, most members of their parliament have been known to spend well over four decades in the parliament, thereby helping to enrich parliamentary debates and articulating legislation that further enhances democratic practices and the rule of law in society.
“As our democracy advances, one of the most important arms of government that requires tenure elongation through automatic tickets for members of the party is certainly the members of the National Assembly.
“Extending the tenure of National Assembly members can have several long-term benefits, including the accumulation of institutional knowledge. Longer tenures allow members to develop a deeper understanding and expertise in specific policy areas, leading to more informed decision-making.
“It also allows for increased productivity. With more time in office, members can see legislation through from start to finish, reducing the likelihood of bills stalling or dying due to a lack of continuity. There’s also improved representation, as longer-serving members can build stronger relationships with their constituents, understand their needs better, and represent them more effectively.
“Extended tenures can provide stability and continuity in governance, enabling the National Assembly to pursue long-term goals and projects without frequent disruptions.
“Mentorship and knowledge transfer are also enhanced, as experienced members can mentor newer members, sharing their knowledge and expertise to build a more effective and efficient legislative body.
“It is therefore in light of the above reasons that the Northern Patriotic Forum wishes to congratulate and call on the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, as well as the Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, to wholeheartedly give their unflinching and unalloyed support to this noble idea of granting all serving members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the National Assembly automatic tickets as we count down to the 2027 general elections, as this would not only benefit the party but also reinvigorate our governance system as well as help consolidate our democracy and the democratisation process.
“We call on all APC party faithful across the country, the party hierarchy, and the leadership to ensure that the automatic party ticket for National Assembly members is given the necessary attention with a view to making it a reality before the party primaries.”
Also, the Chairman of the Forum, Abdulmumini Tijani, urged all members of the party to rally around “this noble cause for the good of the party and in the overall interest of our democracy.”