By Christiana Ekpa
The Former Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Ethics and Privileges, Hon. Ossai Nicholas Ossai, has commended the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for adopting direct primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the system as a true reflection of participatory democracy.
Ossai, who is also the convener of the Tinubu-Sheriff Support Group, spoke in Abuja after submitting his nomination forms to contest for the Ndokwa East/Ndokwa West/Ukwuani Federal Constituency seat of Delta State.
According to him, direct primaries allow party members to determine who truly enjoys grassroots support within the party.
“The most democratic aspect of the current electoral process is the direct primary system, and I commend the APC National Working Committee for aligning with it,” he said.
“Direct primaries promote participatory democracy because party members are directly involved in choosing candidates. Whoever emerges victorious enjoys broader acceptance and legitimacy because members participated from the beginning. I believe that process will strengthen our party in Delta State.”
The former lawmaker expressed confidence in his popularity within the constituency, saying his political experience and legislative track record positioned him for another return to the Green Chamber.
Explaining his decision to seek re-election, Ossai said he still had more to contribute to the development of his constituency and the country at large.
“Since my time in the State House of Assembly and later in the House of Representatives, I have contributed significantly to the development of my people, but there is still more to be done,” he stated.
He also reiterated his commitment to strengthening the APC in Delta State, insisting that the ruling party was gaining momentum in the state.
“When I joined the APC, I said the PDP structure would weaken because the broom symbol represents a political revolution. Today, I remain committed to using the APC platform to address the critical needs of my people,” he added.
Highlighting his legislative experience, Ossai described himself as deeply grounded in parliamentary practice, oversight functions, and accountability.
“I am not only academically equipped; I have practical political experience. In legislative matters, oversight responsibilities, and accountability issues, I have demonstrated competence over the years,” he said.
Reflecting on his past leadership roles in the House, Ossai noted that he handled issues effectively as Chairman of the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges and also conducted detailed reviews of agreements signed by Nigeria while serving as Chairman of the Committee on Treaties and Agreements.
On the consensus mode of selecting candidates, the former lawmaker said the National Assembly had valid reasons for providing for consensus arrangements in the Electoral Act.
“Consensus can work where members of a political family agree to support a particular individual for the collective interest of the party,” he explained.
