In Ebonyi State’s All Progressives Congress (APC), the growing preference for consensus in candidate selection ahead of the 2027 elections is raising questions about internal democracy and participation.
Consensus, as recognised by Nigeria’s Electoral Act, allows parties to adopt agreed candidates where all aspirants willingly step down. In practice, however, its application often shifts emphasis away from competitive primaries toward elite consultations, prompting concerns about how inclusive the process truly is.
Reports from within the party indicate that consultations among key stakeholders, including Governor Francis Nwifuru and other senior figures, are leaning toward consensus as a strategy to manage candidate selection. Supporters argue that this approach helps to prevent internal disputes, reduce post-primary litigation, and strengthen party cohesion ahead of elections.
This reasoning is not without merit. In Nigeria, contested primaries have frequently triggered factional crises that weaken parties before general elections. By limiting such conflicts, consensus can help parties conserve resources and focus on mobilisation.
However, the approach also raises concerns. When consensus becomes the dominant method, the role of ordinary party members and aspirants in decision-making is reduced. This can create the perception that candidate emergence is determined more by negotiation among elites than by broader participation.
Such perceptions may have political consequences. Aspirants who feel sidelined could become disengaged or explore alternative platforms, while grassroots supporters may feel less invested in outcomes they had little role in shaping. Over time, this could affect party loyalty and internal cohesion.
There are also broader democratic implications. Competitive primaries, despite their challenges, serve as a mechanism for testing popularity, encouraging accountability, and introducing new voices into the political space. A prolonged shift away from them may limit these opportunities.
As the 2027 elections approach, Ebonyi APC faces the task of balancing unity with inclusion. While consensus can offer short-term stability, its long-term effectiveness depends on how widely it is accepted within the party.
Ultimately, consensus is not inherently undemocratic. Its legitimacy rests on transparency and genuine agreement among stakeholders. How it is implemented in Ebonyi will shape not only party dynamics but also perceptions of political participation in the state.
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