— Alleges Imposition of Candidates in Ogun Central
— Urges National Leadership to Enforce Due Process
A group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, operating under the banner of the Ogun APC Integrity Group, Abeokuta South Local Government chapter, has openly rejected the recently adopted consensus arrangement in the state, particularly in the Ogun Central Senatorial District.
The group described the process as a clear imposition of candidates, alleging that it violated the party’s internal democratic principles and failed to adhere to established due process.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its convener, Comrade Durojaye Olakunle, shortly after a consensus meeting convened by Governor Dapo Abiodun at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the group expressed strong dissatisfaction with the outcome of the exercise.
According to the statement, the consensus process did not comply with the guidelines stipulated by the national leadership of the APC, which mandate that all aspirants must be present and willingly agree before a consensus candidate can emerge.
“The so-called consensus announced in Ogun Central was not built on agreement. Many aspirants were excluded, and consent was neither sought nor obtained,” the group stated.
The Integrity Group anchored its argument on a recent clarification attributed to the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, who emphasised that consensus candidacy must be based on voluntary agreement among all aspirants.
Quoting the national chairman, the statement read: “A consensus ticket requires the voluntary consent of all aspirants. Consensus is not imposed; it must be a product of mutual agreement among all contenders seeking the party’s ticket.”
The group further alleged that the candidates adopted for various positions, including seats in the Ogun State House of Assembly, did not reflect broad-based acceptance within the party, adding that some lacked visible contributions to party development at the grassroots level.
It also raised concerns over what it described as an attempt by Governor Abiodun to retain political influence beyond his tenure through the endorsement of selected candidates.
Focusing specifically on Abeokuta South Local Government Area, the group insisted that the consensus arrangement was unacceptable, maintaining that it disregarded the wishes of party members at the grassroots.
“We reject the imposition of candidates under the guise of consensus,” Olakunle said.
“What transpired does not reflect the position of the party’s national leadership nor the wishes of grassroots members.”
The group called on the APC leadership at both the state and national levels to urgently intervene in the matter to prevent further escalation of internal tensions.
It warned that a continued disregard for due process and internal democracy could weaken party cohesion across the 20 local government areas of Ogun State, potentially affecting the party’s chances in the 2027 general elections.
As internal disagreements continue to surface, political observers say the development may signal deeper divisions within the Ogun APC, raising concerns about the party’s preparedness for future electoral contests.
