A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ayo Arise, has criticised alleged moves to impose consensus candidates for National Assembly positions in parts of Ekiti State, blaming aspirants with weak grassroots backing for the development.
Arise, who is contesting for the APC ticket in Ekiti North Senatorial District, described the reported plan as contrary to democratic principles, insisting that due process must be followed in candidate selection.
He argued that both the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act provide clear guidelines for primaries, particularly in situations where aspirants have not reached a unanimous agreement.
The controversy comes amid rising speculation in Ekiti over attempts by some aspirants to adopt a consensus arrangement in order to avoid competitive primaries, fuelling claims that certain candidates are being quietly endorsed ahead of the 2027 elections.
Earlier, former Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi, dismissed allegations of any predetermined arrangement, stressing the importance of adhering strictly to the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act to avoid disputes and potential litigation.
Arise made his remarks while addressing journalists in Ayegbaju Ekiti, located in Oye Local Government Area, during his ongoing consultations with party members across the senatorial district.
He reiterated his opposition to any form of candidate imposition, warning that such practices could weaken internal democracy within the party.
“If it is speaking for the party and defending the policies of President Bola Tinubu and the APC, none of them come close. And if it is grassroots support, they are very far away,” he said.
He maintained that only transparent and competitive processes can produce credible candidates that truly reflect the will of party members.
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