Aspirants under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State have rejected the adoption of a consensus arrangement for the selection of a flag bearer, insisting on a competitive process ahead of the party’s primaries. The development reflects internal disagreements within the party over the proposed consensus candidate framework being considered for the governorship race in the state.
The APC in Ondo State has been engaging stakeholders and aspirants in consultations ahead of its primary elections. Party leadership has, in several meetings, discussed the possibility of adopting either direct primaries or a consensus arrangement to select candidates for upcoming elections.
The consensus option has been a recurring approach within the party at both national and state levels, often promoted as a means of reducing internal disputes and strengthening unity. However, it has also generated resistance from aspirants who argue that it may limit internal democracy and competitive participation.
In Ondo State, political preparations are ongoing ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle, with party stakeholders seeking to balance internal cohesion and democratic contestation among aspirants.
Aspirants who opposed the consensus arrangement stated that the process of candidate selection must remain open and competitive to reflect the will of party members across constituencies. They described concerns that a consensus approach could result in perceived imposition if not broadly inclusive. The position of the aspirants aligns with earlier debates within the state chapter of the APC, where stakeholders have continued to engage in consultations over the most suitable method for primaries.
Party leadership in the state has maintained that consultations are ongoing and that no final decision has been communicated regarding the mode of primaries. The APC has previously stated in various forums that it may adopt consensus, direct primaries, or indirect primaries depending on stakeholder agreement and national party guidelines.
In earlier engagements, party officials emphasised that unity and internal cohesion remain central to the party’s electoral strategy, while also encouraging aspirants to remain committed regardless of outcomes.
The rejection of a consensus candidate arrangement by Ondo APC aspirants highlights ongoing internal negotiations within the party regarding candidate selection methods. The disagreement reflects a broader tension between consensus-driven processes and competitive primaries within party structures.
How the party resolves the issue may influence internal cohesion ahead of the primaries and could shape the level of participation among aspirants. It also underscores the importance of transparent consultation processes in maintaining trust among stakeholders within political parties.
