North Mugirango MP Charles Geni insists that all ODM aspirants should be subjected to competitive nominations in case there are other interested candidates eyeing the ticket.
His remarks come after the Star hinted that at least 15 governors from across the political divide said they were uncomfortable going to their party primaries.
Speaking to this reporter on Wednesday, Geni termed those against the nominations “cowards’ and warned the party against ‘succumbing’ to ridiculous demands.
“ODM is a democratic party where we transact our business transparently and competitively. Be it me or other top officials, we must be ready for the primaries in case there are other candidates ready to face us in the primaries,” he said.
He added: “it’s an act of cowardice if someone who has performed fears nominations and that is why it is important for the party top officials to resist any attempts by those who think they can use escape routes to avoid nominations.”
He said should the party risk giving people direct nominations at the expense of democracy, it would suffer a severe blow in terms of representation to various positions due to impending defections of potential leaders who may realise the scheme.