Consensus Candidates seems to have emerged in almost all the All Progressives Congress (APC) controlled States, as State Governors are alleged to have picked their loyalist and political godsons/daughters as consensus candidates as against the popular wish of majority of party members, and this, the National Leadership of the APC, is trying to address.
Given the condemnation and outcry from party members across the country, especially in States such as Imo State, Anambra State and Ogun State, Rivers State(Rivers is peculiar as there are two factional leaders selling two different forms for aspirants) and some other States, where party members have promised a showdown with their Governors for ditching due process and not taking them along with the issue of a consensus candidates.
According to the aggrieved members, such move by the APC Governors if not checked could see the APC lose some sensitive positions, especially in the National Assembly.
The National Leadership has come out to give a clear meaning to what the party meant by a consensus candidate, in order to nip the crisis in the bud.
Speaking on the issue a few hours ago, the Acting National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mr. Yekini Nabena said:
The attention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been drawn to announcements of consensus candidates for elective positions in some states. It is therefore pertinent to make some clarifications to enlighten Party faithful on the procedure for nominating candidates.
While consensus is provided for by the Party’s Constitution, the option is conditional. Consensus does not foreclose Direct or Indirect Primaries for all elective positions as contained in the resolution of the 6th meeting of the Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).
Again, consensus will apply when no other aspirant signify interest (i.e. through purchase of nomination forms) for the position in question.