Tension is building within the All Progressives Congress in Adamawa State as aspirants seeking the party’s House of Representatives tickets have rejected any attempt to adopt a consensus arrangement ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting instead on transparent and competitive primary elections.
The aspirants, drawn from different federal constituencies across the state, made their position clear following ongoing consultations within the party structure where some leaders and stakeholders have been reportedly considering consensus as a strategy to reduce internal disputes and promote unity ahead of the polls.
However, the proposal has sparked strong opposition from several contenders who argue that only direct primaries can guarantee fairness, inclusiveness, and credibility in the selection of candidates.
According to the aspirants, any arrangement that sidelines a competitive process risks undermining internal democracy within the party and could create dissatisfaction among members, especially at the grassroots level where support bases are built.
They maintained that the All Progressives Congress must remain committed to democratic principles by allowing party members and delegates to decide who represents them through voting rather than selection by a few political leaders.
The aspirants further argued that consensus arrangements, if not properly managed, often lead to mistrust, resentment, and post primary conflicts that could weaken party unity and reduce its chances in the general elections.
They stressed that in a democratic system, aspirants should be allowed to test their popularity and credibility through a fair contest, adding that such a process would produce stronger candidates capable of winning elections at the national level.
Political observers in Adamawa State say the disagreement reflects a wider internal debate within the ruling party over how candidates should be selected ahead of the 2027 general elections. While some party leaders support consensus as a means of conflict resolution, many aspirants across the country continue to advocate for direct primaries, citing transparency and fairness.
The aspirants in Adamawa also noted that Nigeria’s political environment has evolved significantly, with voters becoming more politically aware and increasingly demanding accountability from their representatives. They argued that imposing candidates without allowing members to participate in the selection process would no longer be acceptable to the electorate.
They expressed confidence in their individual support bases across their respective constituencies, insisting that a level playing field through open primaries would enable the most popular and competent candidates to emerge.
Several of the aspirants also emphasized that their ambition is driven by the desire to provide quality representation and effective governance for their constituencies rather than personal political gain.
They explained that allowing direct primaries would give party members the opportunity to evaluate candidates based on experience, performance, and engagement with the people, rather than decisions made behind closed doors.
Party stakeholders in Adamawa State are now faced with the challenge of balancing internal cohesion with democratic participation as preparations for the primaries intensify. Consultations are ongoing, but there is increasing pressure on the state and national leadership of the APC to clearly define the mode of primary elections to be adopted.
The development is not isolated, as similar debates have emerged in several states across the country, where aspirants and party leaders are divided over the use of consensus versus direct primaries in selecting candidates for elective positions.
At the national level, the APC has continued to review its internal democratic processes in preparation for the 2027 elections, with party officials repeatedly stressing the need for unity, discipline, and strategic candidate selection to strengthen its electoral chances.
Analysts note that the outcome of these internal disagreements could play a major role in determining the strength, stability, and cohesion of the party ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive election cycle.
Some political commentators argue that while consensus arrangements can help reduce financial costs and minimize legal disputes arising from primaries, they must be based on genuine agreement among all aspirants rather than imposed by party leadership.
They warned that forced consensus could lead to dissatisfaction, internal rebellion, and even defections to opposition parties if not handled with transparency and fairness.
On the other hand, supporters of consensus arrangements believe it can promote unity and reduce unnecessary internal rivalry if properly negotiated and accepted by all stakeholders.
However, in Adamawa State, the current position of many House of Representatives aspirants suggests a strong preference for open competition, with calls for a level playing field dominating their demands.
The aspirants insist that the credibility of the party and its chances in the 2027 general elections will depend largely on how fairly and transparently candidates are selected at all levels.
As discussions continue, attention is now focused on the leadership of the APC in Adamawa State and the national secretariat to determine the final mode of primary elections that will be adopted.
For now, the aspirants remain united in their rejection of consensus arrangements, maintaining that only a transparent and democratic process will produce legitimate candidates who can effectively represent the party and secure victory at the polls.
