As political parties prepare for the 2019 general elections, Sen. Shehu Sani (APC/Kaduna), has said that direct primary elections were the most credible and transparent process of determining candidates.

Sani, in a statement on Friday in Abuja, said that direct primaries would minimise the influence of money in deciding flag bearers.

The senator was reacting to the outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Executive Council meeting, held on Thursday in Abuja.

While noting that Nigerian politics had not lived up to expectations, Sani said that indirect politics had particularly “bastardised the national political space”.

“Direct primaries are the only channel through which politics of principles and ideas can flourish; whoever fears direct primaries fears the people.

“The only way we can instill political discipline and integrity is for political parties to adopt direct primaries. It is the most honourable thing to do.

“Direct primaries are the only way to minimise litigation and crises arising from illegal and parallel congresses,” he opined.

The APC had, at its NEC meeting on Thursday, adopted direct primaries to choose its presidential candidate for the 2019 elections. (NAN)