Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele has emphasized that while consensus arrangements remain a viable option in party politics, they must always align with democratic principles as enshrined in Nigeria’s Electoral Act.
Speaking after submitting his APC expression of interest form for re-election in Abuja on Monday, Senator Bamidele noted that the presence of members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) at the Forms collection centre at Abuja Continental Hotel underscores the importance of the ongoing political process.
The federal lawmaker, representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District explained that the Electoral Act, signed into law by the President, clearly outlines acceptable modes of conducting primaries, including direct primaries and consensus arrangements.
According to him, regardless of the mode adopted, primaries remain compulsory.
“Even where there is only one aspirant or where a candidate emerges through consensus, there must still be a primary process. Everyone must participate at the ward level. There is nothing that can be done outside this process,” he said.
He added that consensus should be seen as a collective agreement among stakeholders rather than a substitute for due process.
“Where stakeholders agree on a consensus candidate, such an arrangement must still pass through the primary process. However, if even one person disagrees, the law requires that a direct primary be conducted,” he stated.
Addressing concerns over controversies surrounding consensus arrangements in some areas, including Ekiti State, the Senator acknowledged that not all consensus efforts have been seamless.
“I am not saying that consensus has been smooth everywhere. There are places where it has worked well and others where it has not,” he said.
Using his own experience as an example, he revealed that stakeholders in his constituency unanimously endorsed him based on his performance.
“I did not lobby or coerce anyone. Stakeholders approached me and expressed satisfaction with my representation. No one else has picked up a nomination form,” he explained.
However, he stressed that such situations may not be replicated across all constituencies.
“A consensus is only a suggestion by stakeholders. Anyone who wishes to contest must be given the opportunity. Where there is disagreement, a direct primary becomes inevitable,” he added.
Senator Bamidele concluded by reiterating that democratic participation must remain the foundation of party primaries, regardless of internal agreements.
Abuja Timrs recalled that the lawmaker has over the weekend said he and other aspirants contesting various positions in the APC will go through primaries despite being adopted as Ekiti Central Senatorial consensus candidate for the 2027 National Assembly election.