A former governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, criticised the management of recent All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries across the country, stating that the ruling party has drifted away from its founding ideals, warning that an APC internal crisis is imminent.
Speaking on a national political podcast, Fayemi noted that a growing reliance on consensus arrangements over democratic voting threatens stability within Nigerian party politics.
Fayemi made these remarks during an appearance on State Affairs, a podcast hosted by Edmund Obilo. The former minister expressed concern over the lack of internal debate within the ruling party structure, stating that the current trajectory limits the rights of general members to select their candidates.
Deviation From Party Principles
Addressing the current governance structure of the party, Fayemi condemned the suppression of internal democratic choices. He argued that while consensus models are valid in specific contexts, they become problematic when used to deny party members their constitutional franchise.
“I was very explicit that this is not where the party has come from; that we have lost our bearing, and we’ve lost the vision of the founding fathers of this party,” he said.
Defence of Ekiti Governance Record
During the interview, Fayemi addressed allegations that he imposed a successor during his tenure as governor of Ekiti State. He rejected the claims, asserting that the current governor emerged through a transparent, multi-candidate electoral process.
“I didn’t impose anybody. There was a primary in my state that the current governor contested against at least six other candidates,” Fayemi said.
He clarified that maintaining a political preference does not equate to blocking the democratic rights of alternative contestants.
“I don’t think using influence or having a preference is necessarily a bad thing. What is bad is preventing people from exercising their franchise, and we did not do that,” he said.
Precedent of Open Primaries
Fayemi referenced his own political career to demonstrate his long-standing commitment to the APC primaries process. He noted that he consistently subjected himself to competitive internal ballots, even when holding high-ranking political offices.
“Even as a former governor, serving minister, who just resigned from office, I was not coronated. I went to the field with another 20 aspirants,” he said.
He reiterated that genuine consensus must rely entirely on the voluntary agreement of all participating candidates.
“I have no objection to it. However, I am a product of a democratic process, and I would always be on the side of the primary,” he added.
Predictions of APC Internal Crisis
The interview concluded with an assessment of how decision-making power has consolidated around a few influential party figures. Fayemi warned that excluding candidates from fair competition creates systemic resentment that will destabilise the party.
“You know the danger of that? So those who don’t get that consensus, what do you think will happen? You think they will be happy?” he asked rhetorically.
When the host stated that such a dynamic would inevitably lead to an internal collapse, Fayemi confirmed the assessment.
“Yes,” he replied.
