APC Shifts From Consensus Plan To Direct Primaries Amid Resistance From Aspirants Ahead Of House Of Reps Shadow Elections
APC shifts from consensus plan to direct primaries amid resistance from aspirants ahead of House of Reps shadow elections Politics | Party Affairs | Electoral Process The All Progressives Congress APC has reportedly softened its initial plan for consensus-based primaries, opting instead for direct primaries ahead of House of Representatives shadow elections following widespread resistance from aspirants and party members. The National Working Committee NWC of the APC has moved away from its earlier push for consensus candidacy in selecting flagbearers for upcoming House of Representatives primaries, following strong opposition from aspirants across several constituencies. The shift comes amid growing internal tension within the party, where many stakeholders reportedly rejected the consensus arrangement, describing it as a pathway to imposition rather than internal democracy. According to party sources, the backlash forced leadership to adopt a more open and competitive system direct primaries allowing delegates or party members to vote directly for their preferred candidates. The decision is seen as an attempt to reduce internal conflict and maintain unity ahead of broader primaries and the 2027 general election cycle.
President Bola Tinubu also weighed in on the party’s internal process, warning against “do-or-die” politics and urging aspirants and leaders to prioritize unity, fairness, and democratic conduct during the primaries. He emphasized that while consensus remains a valid political tool, the party must resort to direct competition where agreement fails, to preserve legitimacy and avoid post-primary crises. The APC had initially encouraged consensus arrangements to minimize disputes and strengthen cohesion within the party structure. However, repeated complaints from aspirants across federal constituencies indicated dissatisfaction with the process, with many insisting on open contestation instead of negotiated candidacies. This internal resistance reportedly triggered a review of the party’s strategy, leading to the re-adoption of direct primaries for the House of Representatives elections.
- APC shifts from consensus model to direct primaries
- Decision follows resistance from aspirants and grassroots members
- Direct primaries to guide selection of House of Representatives candidates
- Tinubu urges peaceful, fair, and democratic conduct
- Move aimed at reducing internal crisis and imposition allegations
- Increased internal competition within APC
- Reduced influence of elite-backed “consensus” arrangements
- Potential for higher voter participation in party primaries
- Risk of internal rivalry and factional tensions ahead of general elections
- Strengthening of internal democracy perception within the party
Party leadership acknowledged that where consensus fails, the democratic process must allow open primaries to ensure fairness and unity. The APC’s shift from consensus arrangements to direct primaries reflects both internal pressure and a broader push to strengthen democratic legitimacy within the party, even as it raises the stakes for internal competition ahead of upcoming elections.
