Direct primary is blessing in disguise for me, says Lagos APC aspirant

AN aspirant for the Lagos State House of Assembly on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), from Surulere Constituency 2, Mr. Quadri Onikeku, has lauded the idea of using direct primary to determine the party’s candidates for next year’s general elections. He said, it is a blessing in disguise for him.

Onikeku, who spoke at a press conference in Lagos yesterday, said: “Direct primary is in favour of people like me, because when you talk of indirect primary or the delegate system a lot of money is involved and where do I get such money. But, with direct primary, it means your work will speak for you.”

He said the people that will decide the contest in the direct primary are people within the local government area “that knows me one on one; I am going to enjoy that relationship that I have built over time with them, because I may not have money to give to them”.

The aspirant added: “They know me; I was born in the local government, and I schooled there. I am a grassroots man, a mobilizer; I have always been around them and I have been in politics since 2003 and I have served in various capacity both as councillor, public relations officer of the party in the council congress in 2003. I was also personal assistant to first former Deputy Majority Leader and Chief Whip of the Lagos State House of Assembly from 2003 to 2008.

“I have also worked as Chief Whip of the Coker/Aguda Local Council Development Area (LCDA) from 2008 to 2011. I was re-elected as councillor from 2011 to 2014, special adviser on works and infrastructure to the council chairman and other sundry political appointments. So, direct primary is in my favour.”

Speaking on his plans, if elected, the youthful aspirant said he is going to resolve the problem of potable water, absence of secondary school in Itire/Ikate and the state of roads in the constituency, through lobbying and persuation.

He added: “I am going to give my people responsible and responsive representation, legislate for better welfare condition, job creation, youth and women empowerment, safe, clean and secure Lagos, look into the yearnings and aspiration of our people amongst others.”