‘I want free, fair primaries’ – Gbanga Daniel; Ogun East not your birthright – Akinmade
Cracks Emerge in APC Over Candidate Selection Process
By Dapo Akinrefon and James Ogunnaike
Concerns are growing within the All Progressives Congress (APC) regarding the consensus candidate selection process. Supporters of former Governor Gbenga Daniel, alongside other aggrieved aspirants in Ogun State, have expressed their objections to what they term candidate imposition.
Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun, addressed these concerns, asserting that the Ogun East Senatorial ticket does not belong to Daniel by right. In comments to Saturday Vanguard, Akinmade defended the legitimacy of the consensus arrangement within the framework of the Electoral Act, emphasizing its potential to mitigate internal conflict and lower campaign costs.
“Consensus arrangement is part of the Electoral Act. Our party leadership believes that consensus will save money and prevent internal strife, allowing us to move forward,” Akinmade stated. He added that those opposed to the consensus process are welcome to participate in direct primaries instead.
Akinmade highlighted assurances given to aspirants who withdrew in favor of consensus candidates, noting that many have previously benefited from this approach. He recounted the circumstances surrounding Daniel’s rise to prominence, mentioning how the late Oba Sikiru Adetona advocated for Daniel’s candidacy over that of Senator Lekan Mustapha.
“If Senator Lekan Mustapha could concede to Daniel, why can’t Daniel also listen to the party?” Akinmade asked, while reiterating that the Ogun East senatorial seat is not reserved for any individual and that the party must field its “best 11” for the 2027 elections.
Daniel, who currently represents Ogun East, responded by asserting he will only participate in primary elections that are free, fair, and credible. Through his media aide, Steve Oliyide, he warned against any election process with predetermined outcomes.
“Any electoral exercise whose outcome appears predetermined will fail the test of credibility and fairness,” Daniel stated. He called for a robust democratic process that allows party members to freely select their candidates, free from external interference.
Daniel also expressed that the forthcoming House of Representatives primaries will serve as a crucial test of the credibility of the entire primary process. He urged party leaders to ensure transparency to instill confidence in both party members and the broader public.
In Oyo State, Gbolagade Abiodun, an aspirant for the Oluyole Federal Constituency seat, voiced his dissatisfaction with some APC leaders who he claims are attempting to impose a consensus candidate without adequate consultation. While he does not oppose the concept of consensus, Abiodun emphasized that it must reflect authentic agreements among stakeholders.
“My concern is the growing perception that some party leaders are attempting to impose a so-called consensus candidate without proper consultation,” Abiodun said. “The protest by party members in Ibadan reflects a strong demand for fairness, transparency, and internal democracy.”
However, Oyo APC Publicity Secretary Wale Sadare refuted claims of candidate imposition, asserting the party’s commitment to fairness and transparency. “No candidate is imposed by the party leadership,” Sadare stated. “Our constitution provides for consensus where achievable, and competitive primaries where it is not.”
He reassured aspirants of a level playing field, stating that should consensus fail, the party would conduct open and credible primaries.
