The use of consensus as a method for selecting candidates in Nigerian political parties, intended to reduce monetization and rancorous primaries, has instead triggered widespread tensions and exposed a lack of internal democracy. Section 84(2) of the Electoral Act 2026 narrowed candidate nomination options to direct primaries and consensus, scrapping the delegate system. While direct primaries allow one-member-one-vote, consensus requires written withdrawal of all aspirants and ratification at a convention. However, rather than fostering unity, consensus has become a tool for imposition and godfatherism, deepening leadership struggles across the country.
South-West: Rising Resistance to Consensus
In Ondo State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa's preference for consensus has faced strong pushback from aspirants who accuse him of handpicking loyalists. Critics warn that the approach could shut out credible contenders. In Ekiti, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele's move to secure automatic tickets for incumbents sparked controversy, with former Governor Kayode Fayemi rejecting any form of kangaroo endorsement. In Oyo, a purported list of consensus candidates stirred outrage, with factions disowning it. In Lagos, the long-standing tradition of consensus faces renewed scrutiny as the 2027 governorship race attracts multiple interests, with the party leadership insisting no aspirant has been anointed yet.
South-East: Consensus as a Tool for Control
In Enugu State, Governor Peter Mbah leveraged consensus to restructure the APC after defecting from the PDP, retaining loyal executives. The party's South-East zonal leadership also adopted consensus for its congress, with governors meeting behind closed doors to present a pre-agreed list. Critics argue that this undermines internal democracy, with legal practitioner Jude Obiorah warning that the practice distorts the electoral process and encourages imposition. In Imo, while major parties have not yet adopted consensus candidates, Governor Hope Uzodimma's advocacy for zoning has fueled speculation about his preferred successor.
South-South: Deepening Divisions
In Rivers State, entrenched political divisions among factions loyal to Nyesom Wike, Siminalayi Fubara, and Chibuike Amaechi have made consensus contentious. Critics say it has become a tool for elite control. In Delta, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's defection to APC complicated consensus efforts, triggering resistance from heavyweights like Ovie Omo-Agege and James Ibori. In Bayelsa, disagreements over consensus during congresses have deepened rivalries between supporters of Timipre Sylva and Heineken Lokpobiri, with warnings of defections. In Akwa Ibom, stakeholders in Ikot Ekpene rejected attempts to impose a consensus candidate for State Assembly primaries, describing it as undemocratic.
North: Knotty Scenarios Persist
In Nasarawa, stakeholders adopted direct primaries to avoid imposition, but Governor Abdullahi Sule's endorsement of Senator Ahmed Aliyu-Wadada triggered internal disquiet. In Kaduna, APC leadership publicly ruled out consensus, urging open primaries, yet suspicions of tacit endorsements persist. In Kano, legacy APC members and defectors from NNPP clash over return tickets, with stakeholders warning that consensus could split the party. In Kwara, zoning for Kwara North to produce the next governor has triggered competing interests and resistance from Ilorin Emirate. In Yobe, allegations of forceful collection of membership cards to impose a candidate have emerged. In Zamfara, factions loyal to godfathers struggle over power sharing, with Minister Bello Matawalle lamenting being sidelined.
Conclusion
Across Nigeria, the consensus mechanism has deepened internal fractures, triggered defections, and weakened party cohesion. Unless parties strike a balance between consensus and credible participation, the strategy may undermine democratic processes and electoral outcomes.
