APC Gov’ship Tickets: Imposition Or Consensus?

As the date set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the conduct of party primaries inches closer, the process for the selection of candidates is assuming a new dimension as the All Progressives Congress (APC) appears bent on deciding its candidates.

The parties, going by INEC timetable, are supposed to conduct their primaries between April 23 to May 30, 2026. More than a week to the official date for the commencement, however, our correspondents have observed a recurring trend in the ruling party, where the predominant option has been by consensus though analysts have raised concerns about the process.

Though the primaries for Ekiti and Osun off-cycle elections holding this year have already been concluded, the processes through which the candidates emerged have raised concerns.

In Osun, the immediate past chairman of the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Bola Oyebamiji emerged as the candidate of the party after an initial rejection by one of the major aspirants, Senator Iyiola Omisore.

Omisore and six others were disqualified to pave way for Oyebamiji, leading to Omisore challenging his disqualification in court.

In Ekiti, four aspirants, Oyebanji, Mrs Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo, Engr Kayode Ojo, and Mrs Abimbola Olajumoke Olawunmi initially sought the APC ticket but the state governor, Abiodun Oyebanji,  clinched the ticket to seek a second term in office through a consensus arrangement after Mrs  Omolayo stepped down.

Since then, the APC seems to have adopted a pattern where influential members of the party are allowed to cajole, coax or intimidate other aspirants to bury their aspirations for some chosen persons.

About a week to the official commencement of primaries, no less than three APC states have made their preferred candidates known either directly or through third parties.

Apart from that, the party has long given the indication that it has already made concession to governors who defected from other parties to the APC, to offer them tickets for second term as this was said to be part of the agreement reached with them to get them into the ruling party.

Defectors to the party include: Governors of Delta, Sheriff Oborevwori; Plateau, Caleb Muftwang; Akwa Ibom; Umoh Eno; Enugu, Peter Mbah; Kano; Abba Kabir Yusuf; Zamfara, Dauda Lawal; Taraba, Agbu Kefas and Rivers, Siminalayi Fubara.

This is already causing ripples in the state chapters of the party as those who had made huge investment to contest the seat before the agreements were made to allow the defecting governors automatic ticket are grumbling, Weekend Trust gathered.

In states like Kano and Plateau, the arrangement did not go down well with party stalwarts initially who saw the coming of the sitting governors as capable of altering the arrangements on ground, while in Rivers, the atmosphere is still not clear as Fubara does not appear to be part of the deal to secure an automatic ticket, as despite his defection, he is yet to be formally  received into the party.

Our correspondents report that what is going in states where the party is either in opposition or where the governors are not seeking second terms are even more fierce.

The Electoral Act 2026 (as amended) states under Sections 84–88, that parties can elect their candidates either through direct primaries or consensus, setting aside the option of voting through party delegates.

Many members of the party have, however, challenged what is going on within the APC. They prefer the direct primaries option as they say consensus is open to manipulation.

Former chairman of Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State and an APC stalwart, Cafra Caino, is against applying the consensus option across board.

He said using consensus across board for governorship, National Assembly seats, and others, can create problems.

“If the APC wants to avoid trouble going into 2027, it needs to be careful about how candidates emerge at the lower levels. Direct primaries, for all its challenges, tends to produce better outcomes.

“People feel involved. When members can actually vote in primaries, they are more likely to stay committed to the party and its candidates,” he stated.

He added: “Consensus often leaves people unhappy, even if they don’t say it openly. That kind of dissatisfaction usually shows up later during campaigns or even on election day.”

Previous push for automatic tickets

Our correspondents  had previously reported a push by National Assembly lawmakers for automatic tickets where several meetings were reportedly held between the leadership of both the Senate and the House of Representatives and the APC leadership regarding the request.

A source familiar with the meetings told Weekend Trust that while there have been “fruitful deliberations,” talks will continue early next week before the commencement of the primaries.

The source added that APC leaders want due process and fair play to supersede any other considerations to avoid unnecessary legal tussles or defections by aggrieved aspirants, which could hurt the party’s chances at the polls.

This stance reportedly did not sit well with some lawmakers, who insisted they deserved automatic tickets for their loyalty and commitment to the Tinubu administration.

Some of the states currently embroiled in the consensus issue are; Nasarawa, Adamawa, Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, and others.

Wadada’s endorsement splits Nasarawa APC

Aspirants under the APC banner seeking the Nasarawa State governorship, having spent years mobilising for the party’s ticket ahead of 2027 are yet to accept fully the decision by the governor, Abdullahi Sule, to endorse Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada.

Others like  ex-IGP Mohammed Adamu Abubakar, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, Professor Sani Haruna,  Shehu Tukur, Tanimu Adamson, Abubakar Nalaraba, Mohammed Maikaya, Hassan Liman and Abu Giza have either opposed the governor’s decision or are yet to come up with a clear position on the matter. Musa Ahmed Mohammed, however, said he has no problem with the endorsement.

Party faithfuls anticipating the selection process saw Governor Sule hold several meetings with key stakeholders, including former governors Abdullahi Adamu and Tanko Al-Makura, to chart a path forward. The governor was said to have met with aspirants from Nasarawa West Senatorial District and later with political appointees, where he disclosed his decision to back Senator Wadada as his preferred candidate.

Sule told the aspirants he would not bar anyone from contesting and promised a free direct primary, the method adopted by APC stakeholders in the state. Sources at the meeting said none of the aspirants immediately pledged to withdraw or support Wadada.

Wadada was said to have secured the support by going through his parents who prevailed on the governor to choose him.

Former APC chairman for Keffi Local Government Area, Mohammed  Bello Yakubu, in viral video, disclosed that he had it on good authority that the governor succumbed due to interventions by Wadada’s parents.

An aspirant, Ahmed Mohammed, addressed his supporters in Lafia and asked them to accept the governor’s decision in good faith and support his choice. In contrast, Isa Nathaniel, chairman of the retired IGP, Adamu Campaign Committee on Contact and Mobilization, said the development not surprising.

He said, “The governor knows that Wadada cannot win an election in Nasarawa State. Nasarawa is not for sale. Nasarawa cannot be inherited. There is a process, and people will choose,” warning that if the APC “folds its arms and allows him to go this way,” the party risks becoming opposition in Nasarawa politics.

An APC member and Wadada supporter, Attama Ibrahim Abdullahi, described Sule’s endorsement as a decision that should be “welcomed wholeheartedly,” noting it reflects democracy and party affiliation.

Nasarawa APC chairman, Aliyu Bello, affirmed the party’s support for Sule’s decision, calling it “preference, not anointment.” He said the governor consulted widely for two to three years and that the seven Western zone aspirants gave Sule the mandate to pick from among them after failing to agree on a particular person.

Lagos: Between lobbying and endorsement

Though it’s not yet official, the race for the APC governorship ticket of Lagos State, appears to have been narrowed down to the current deputy governor, Obafemi Hamzat.

Hamzat’s recent engagements with influential stakeholders, particularly within the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), a council of elders of the party and the highest decision making organ of Lagos APC are seen as strategic moves to consolidate support ahead of the party’s primary election.

This is coming amid speculations of his endorsement as the consensus flag bearer of the party ahead of the 2027 governorship election.The consultative visits to the GAC was considered a strategic move to secure the backing of party’s leaders and elders in the state.

Hamzat had visited the chairman of GAC, Prince Tajudeen Olusi and other GAC members, including Senator Anthony Adefuye; former Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, Adeyemi Sabit Ikuforiji, among others.

The Deputy Governor presented his economic and governance blueprint during these consultations, positioning himself as a continuity candidate who can build on the state’s existing development trajectory.

However, the political landscape is becoming increasingly competitive with the re-emergence of former governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, whose renewed consultations and subtle political signals have heightened the contest.

Ambode’s return to the scene is viewed by analysts as a potential disruptor, capable of reshaping alignments within the party.

Although, he has yet to make a formal declaration, his growing visibility and outreach efforts suggest a possible bid with his supporters saying it is only fair to allow Ambode to complete his tenure.

A party leader who spoke with our correspondent on the condition of anonymity said, “The reported endorsement of Hamzat as the preferred consensus candidate is still a rumour. What Obafemi Hamzat is doing is just consultation and if anyone is telling you he has been ordained as the consensus candidate, just take it as a rumour.

“In fact it was even alleged that Asiwaju picked Ambode while GAC picked Hamzat. It is still all rumour. What is important is that the party has made it clear that the race is still open for contest.”

Yobe, waiting for Geidam

Yobe State has a long history of choosing candidates through consensus. After nearly eight years in office, many are waiting for Governor Mai Mal Buni to pick a flag bearer for the ruling party in the state.

However, analysts said Buni alone cannot decide his successor but his political godfather, Senator Ibrahim Geidam.

Recall the recent statement by Buni, that he’d rather die than to betray his political godfather.

Historically, governorship and National Assembly aspirants bow to party decisions, rather than protest, maintaining the established political culture.

Looking ahead, Yobe 2027 is likely to follow familiar patterns.

Responding to our correspondent’s inquiries, one of the members of the party’s State Executive Council, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the anointed or consensus candidate will be revealed soon.

“Ignore all these propaganda, the anointed candidate of Governor Buni and Senator Ibrahim Geidam will be revealed at the stakeholders meeting scheduled to hold next week”, he said.

Responding to journalists’ questions yesterday, a governorship aspirant, KashimTumsa, expressed optimism that the party would conduct free and fair primary election in the state.

“Disregard any rumours,  so far as the party has not released any tentative statement on what type of primary we are going to hold. I don’t think there is any signs to shows that they will not conduct free and fair primary election,” he said.

Borno between two powerful figures

In Borno State, there has been no formal declaration from any of the numerous politicians, who were said to be aspiring to contest the governorship seat in the forthcoming general elections.

However, Governor Babagana Zulum is said to be considering picking his successor from among his former commissioners or head of one of the Ministries, Department and Agencies.

The people whose names are being circulated are; Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, former Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Engr. Mustapha Gubio, former Commissioner of Works and Housing, Dr Babagana Mustapha Malumbe, the acting Chief of Staff and Engr. Adam Bukar Bababe, the former Executive Secretary General of the Borno State Geographic Information System (BOGIS).

However, his political godfather and predecessor, Vice President Kashim Shettima, is said to also be planning to anoint the Senator representing Borno Central, Kaka Shehu Lawan, as the next governor.

Weekend Trust gathered that each camp is working silently to ensure it succeeds in producing the next governor of the state. While those in Shettima’s camp are of the opinion that the vice president should be allowed to pick the next governor, considering the role he played in Zulum’s political trajectory, those in the governor’s camp said he should pick his successor, as previous governors like Ali Modu Sheriff and Shettima, did at the end of their tenures.

Efforts to speak to the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Borno State were not successful. But a senior official of the party told Weekend Trust that things will become clearer when the party commences the sale of nomination forms next week.

Gombe aspirants agree on consensus but…

Eleven out of the 12 governorship aspirants on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State have agreed to adopt a consensus arrangement ahead of the 2027 election.

The agreement was reached during a meeting with Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya at the Government House, Gombe, where the aspirants pledged to support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate.

Those in attendance included; Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, Jamilu Isiyaku Gwamna, Engr. Aliyu Muhammad (Combat), Alhaji Umar Kwairanga (Sarkin Fulani), Dr. Amini Yuguda, Engr. Abubakar Bappah, Hon. Muhammad Gambo Magaji, Abubakar Sadiq Shu’aibu, and Usman Bello Kumo, among others.  A former Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa’idu Alkali, was not at the meeting.

Sources at the meeting said the aspirants unanimously resolved to prioritise party unity, stressing that only one candidate can fly the APC’s flag in the governorship election.

They consequently pledged to rally behind whoever emerges through the consensus process.

The aspirants further committed to peaceful political engagement and agreed to continue consultations, with plans to reconvene at a later date to fine-tune the arrangement.

Despite the development, Governor Yahaya has yet to publicly indicate support for any of the aspirants, maintaining a neutral stance.

When contacted on whether the governor has a preferred candidate or if there are plans to impose one, the state APC chairman, Mr. Dantata Muhammad Ndus, declined to comment.

Observers said the move by the 11 aspirants may help the APC avoid internal wrangling and strengthen its chances ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Gombe State.

Position hazy in Adamawa

In Adamawa State, the governorship race in APC has become a two horse race between the immediate past Executive Secretary of Petroleum Trust Development Fund (PTDF), Tijjani Ahmed Galadima (TAG) and others.

Before the coming of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri into the party, a number of aspirants had indicated interest to take part in the governorship primary election of the party.Some of the major names are; Comrade Salihu Mustapha,Dr.Salihu Bakari Girei, Abdulra hman Haske and Engr.Diaulhaq Abubakar.

The coming of Fintiri into the party introduced new parameters and altered the equation of the APC governorship primaries as his allies also threw their hats into the ring.

There are feelers indicating a gentleman agreement between the camps of the Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to anoint one of the aspirants. A development that is causing anxiety and tension in the party, Weekend Trust gathered.

The tension led Maurice Vunobolki, a renown Fintiri’s ally to exit the party over allegations of impropriety and circumvention of due process.

Speaking with the APC publicity secretary in the state, Muhammad Abdullahi, said the party is adopting the consensus arrangement as earlier directed by the national headquarters of the party.

Oyo to battle an opposition governor

Unlike Ogun, Oyo State’s case is different. The state is being governed by an opposition governor.

Many analysts say without a governor or a rallying point for the APC in Oyo State, it is difficult to pick a candidate out of the formidable aspirants.

Some of the aspirants are; Senator Sharafadeen Alli, Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, Senator Teslim Folarin, Senator Fatai Buhari, Rep Remi Oseni, Adebayo Shittu among others.

Alli is  prominently mentioned as a potential consensus candidate backed by some party leaders,though the party’s leadership said it’s not yet official.

The consensus list, which surfaced over the weekend, claimed that the senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Dr Sharafadeen Alli, had been selected as the party’s governorship candidate, with Mr Soji Adedeji named as his running mate.

It also suggested that several other party members had been penciled down for senatorial and House of Representatives seats across the state.

Reacting, the party’s spokesman in Oyo, Olawale Sadare, insisted that no such decision had been taken by the party.

He warned those behind the publication to desist from spreading false information or face consequences if apprehended.The party reiterated that any official communication regarding candidate selection would be conveyed through its recognised channels.

How other aspirants withdrew in Ogun

In Ogun State, leaders of the APC, including Governor Dapo Abiodun have unanimously adopted the Senator representing Ogun West, Solomon Adeola (Yayi) as the consensus governorship candidate ahead of next election.

The decision was taken at the APC strategic caucus meeting held at the party’s secretariat in Abeokuta, last week.

The meeting attracted all three former governors, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and Otunba Gbenga Daniel. Also in attendance were APC gubernatorial aspirants, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, Gboyega Isiaka, Tunde Lemo and Isiak Akinlade.

The governor announced the resolution after the meeting which lasted for about two hours. “It gives me great pleasure and on behalf of all of you to congratulate Senator Adeola as our consensus and unanimously selected an  elected governorship candidate for the year 2027,” Abiodun declared.

The governor said the decision was taken after a display of “high level political magnanimity” by all party stakeholders.

Weekend Trust reports that virtually all the APC aspirants have accepted the decision except for the former Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Sarafa Tunji Isola, who was not at the meeting. There were reports that Isola is still consulting on the matter.

Another aspirant, Modele Sarafa Yusuf, did not attend the meeting but she endorsed the party leader’s position, it was gathered.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s daughter, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, also suspended her ambition and congratulated the consensus candidate.

However, findings revealed that some of the aspirants reluctantly bowed to the decision because it was allegedly backed by President Bola Tinubu.  At the meeting, insiders said aspirants were not allowed to speak before the “scripted adoption” took place.

“Do they want people to rush forward and steal the microphone? How exactly did they want people to voice anything? No one was asked to speak other than say yaay or nay as a group.

“This kind of comments in the streets is what makes me feel that the people don’t appreciate what I have personally given before now to help people,” a source quoted one of the aspirants at the meeting, as saying.

Endorsements before consensus in Kwara

In Kwara State, although the All Progressives Congress (APC) is yet to conduct its governorship primaries, early signals within the party suggest that conversations around consensus are already beginning to take shape.

This followed comments credited to the state APC chairman,  Abiodun Fagbemi, who hinted at the possibility of a consensus arrangement when a member of the House of Representatives visited him at the party secretariat in Ilorin. The remark has since generated political interpretations within party circles regarding the likely direction of the governorship race.

Although the party is yet to formally announce any process or adopted candidate, the chairman’s comment is being viewed by stakeholders as an indication of possible internal arrangement ahead of the primaries.

The development also comes against the backdrop of a previous political clarification by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq during the APC state convention in March, where he stated that he had “not anointed any candidate” and stressed that he was focused on “building legacies, not dynasties.”

While this position was widely seen as an attempt to address growing speculation over succession politics within the party, events that followed have continued to generate further political discussions.

At a point, reports surfaced alleging that the governor had submitted the name of the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi, in relation to succession considerations.

However, the claim was strongly denied by the state government through the governor’s aide on media, Bashir Adigun, who dismissed the report as unfounded.

Despite the denial, political developments have continued to fuel speculation, as the Speaker has featured prominently in several endorsement activities across different levels of the party.

However, a new dimension has been added to the governorship discussion with emerging insinuations that President Tinubu may play a role in the emergence of the candidate of the party in Kwara State.

There have also been reports within political circles suggesting that the Presidency may have settled for former APC state chairman, Alhaji Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa (BOB), who hails from Kwara South.

Although there has been no official communication confirming this position, the growing number of endorsements and political realignments around Bolarinwa has continued to generate speculation within party ranks.

Meanwhile, Senator Saliu Mustapha, who is regarded as one of the most popular contenders for the governorship ticket with strong grassroots support across the state, is also said to be quietly making strategic moves in the unfolding race for the APC ticket.

How Kano governor got automatic ticket

The 2027 governorship ticket in Kano State was decided through consensus since the state Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the New Nigeria People Party (NNPP) earlier in February.

Party leaders said even before the governor joined the party, it was agreed that he would be given automatic ticket.

Speaking during the official acceptance of the governor into the party, the immediate past APC National Chairman and former Kano governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, said he had spoken to all those who had shown interest in the seat and that they agreed not to contest again.

Similarly, the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, also formally declared his intention to step down for the governor and asked all his supporters to rally behind the governor.

This has paved way for the governor to be the only candidate for the party, as since then, no one has shown further interest to contest in the party.

Despite automatic ticket, aspirant set to challenge Muftwang

Before he defected  to the APC, Governor Caleb Mutfwang faced stiff opposition from other party members including the National Chairman of the party, Nentawe Yilwatda, retired General John Sura, among others. However, after the governor joined the party, some members were not happy leading to their defection to the ADC.

The General, who defected from the APC said he would contest against the governor if given opportunity in another party, claiming that the governor has not done enough to be reelected.

Publicity Secretary of the party, Wumana Bako, when contacted said the party has decided on which mode to adopt in selecting a candidate for the party.

He said, “People should discard it. Nobody would be imposed on anyone”.

Yilchini Jan Bida, who is aspiring for the governorship in the state told our correspondent  that he would participate in the party primary, saying though he would abide by the party’s decision, he believes that if direct primary is chosen, he would will emerge victorious.

How Gov Oyebanji won the Ekiti ticket

In October last year, Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji,  secured the APC ticket to seek a second term in office, following intense political manoeuvring, negotiations, and internal horse-trading within the ruling party.

Oyebanji emerged as the APC candidate through a consensus arrangement at the party’s primary held in Ado-Ekiti, after the disqualification of two aspirants, including his main challenger, Engineer Kayode Ojo.

Observers said Oyebanji’s emergence was also facilitated by the withdrawal of another aspirant, Mrs Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo, who stepped down in his favour.

Four aspirants initially sought the APC ticket: Oyebanji, Mrs Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo, Engr Kayode Ojo, and Mrs Abimbola Olajumoke Olawunmi.

However, the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) cleared Oyebanji and Omolayo while disqualifying Ojo and Olawunmi for allegedly failing to comply with the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended).

APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Duro Meseko, announced the decision after the NWC meeting of October 9.

In a letter jointly signed by APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, the party officially notified INEC of its decision to adopt Oyebanji as a consensus candidate.

It confirmed the party’s switch from the direct primary mode to a consensus arrangement, referencing earlier communications with INEC on July 30, August 6, and October 9, 2025, to ensure compliance with the Electoral Act and APC Constitution.

However, a group, the Concerned Stakeholders of the APC in Ekiti State, petitioned President Tinubu, urging him to intervene and review the primary process and Ojo’s disqualification.

They warned that the development threatened the peace, unity, and electoral fortunes of the party ahead of the 2026 governorship poll.

Despite this, the Chairman of the Appeal Panel for the Ekiti APC Delegate Congress, Dr Dennis Otiotio, said the panel received no petitions over the conduct of the congress.

When contacted on the manner some persons were emerging as candidates, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Felix Morka, said he would not respond to such.

National Chairman of the party, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, said recently that granting automatic tickets would violate both the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution.

He confirmed that the party had received multiple requests for automatic tickets from various aspirants, including governors and lawmakers, but insisted that the APC would adhere strictly to due process.

He stated that all aspirants must prove their popularity through either the direct primary system or a consensus arrangement, as provided by law.

A source told our reporter when reminded that some governors already had preferred successors, the national party leader said while anyone can have a preferred candidate, it will not stop the party from following due process.

“We will adhere strictly to the law and our party’s guidelines. All aspirants must test their popularity through either the direct primary system or a consensus arrangement, as provided by law,” the officer said.

“Even in the event of a consensus, all aspirants must personally sign a consent form that must be approved by the National Secretariat. What I am saying is that our members at the grassroots must have their say in who gets the ticket to represent them at all levels.”

The national chairman also explained during a recent media chat that consensus candidacy would only be valid where all aspirants agree in writing and the process is duly ratified by the party officials responsible for conducting the primaries.

Osun before and after the primary

In December, 2025, the immediate past Managing Director of the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, Bola Oyebamiji, emerged as the candidate of the APC, for the governorship election in Osun State, coming up in August this year.

Oyebamiji emerged as the consensus candidate after an initial rejection by one of the major aspirants, Senator Iyiola Omisore. Omisore and six others were disqualified to pave way for Oyebamiji.

He was affirmed by 1,660 delegates, having been nominated by one of the aspirants, Mr Kunle Adegoke, and seconded by another aspirant, Senator Babajide Omoworare.

Thereafter, the chairman of the primary election committee, Governor Monday Okpebholo, asked for a voice vote, and all the delegates affirmed his candidacy.

Omisore later challenged his disqualification in court. However, in March, the campaign organisation of Iyiola Omisore, said he had discontinued the suit he filed.

Consensus or imposition?

A political analyst, Dr. Mutiu Olowolagba, stated that the APC leadership must handle the situation with extreme care to avoid damaging its chances at the polls.

Speaking with our correspondent in Ilorin, Olowolagba advised the APC to be wary of the growing popularity of the opposition African Democratic Party (ADC).

He warned that if the issue of automatic tickets is not properly addressed, the APC risks losing many of its members to the ADC.

“What I am saying is that the ADC is already providing an alternative for those who may be aggrieved after the primaries,” Olowolagba said. “The party is gaining popularity in many communities now. Therefore, the APC must be very careful, especially during the primary process.”

A political analyst, Abubakar Kari, described the party’s consensus approach as largely undemocratic, saying it often sidelines genuine contenders.

“Consensus is just another ploy of anointment. Only those who enjoy the anointment of governors and the presidency are usually nominated,” he said.

He added that the process is frequently driven by powerful interests within the party, leaving little room for fair competition.

“You find people who have campaigned for so many months and then all of a sudden one powerful individual will simply say so-so person should emerge through consensus. And then all other people will just have to comply,” Kari said.

According to him, such arrangements are sustained through pressure and intimidation.

“Consensus procured through intimidation, threat and coercion does not augur well for democratic growth. It goes against one of the fundamental pillars of democracy, which is choice,” he stated.

Kari warned that the fallout could deepen divisions within the party, as aggrieved aspirants may “resort to anti-party activity or even decide to leave the party.”

Also speaking, political analyst Jide Ojo said the consensus system is often pre-arranged to favour preferred aspirants through internal mechanisms.

“Once their consensus aspirant is identified they will set up a screening committee to screen out those who are not their preferred candidates,” he said.

He explained that the process is sometimes structured to create only a semblance of competition.

“They will now look for one weak candidate and on the day of the so-called primary, the aspirant will step down for the anointed candidate,” Ojo added.

He noted that the trend has been evident in recent governorship primaries and is contributing to defections by politicians seeking a level playing field.

The analysts warned that if not checked, the growing reliance on consensus could undermine internal party democracy and weaken confidence in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
(Daily trust)