Ekiti Lawmaker Denies Endorsing Fayose as Consensus Candidate for Assembly Seat
Hakeem Jamiu, a member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly representing Irepodun-Ifelodun Constituency II, has firmly rejected allegations that he endorsed Boluwatife Fayose as the consensus candidate for the constituency's House of Assembly seat. Jamiu issued this clarification in response to widespread online reports claiming he was among stakeholders who supported Fayose during a constituency meeting held in Iworoko on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
Lawmaker Clarifies Position on Consensus Arrangement
In a statement released yesterday, the lawmaker explained that while he attended the meeting, he did not participate in any endorsement process and explicitly voiced his opposition to the consensus arrangement. According to Jamiu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has not authorized a consensus process for selecting candidates for State and National Assembly primaries. He emphasized that at the last stakeholders' meeting, the party only approved consensus arrangements for chairmanship and councillorship positions, with no subsequent meetings to extend this to legislative seats.
"It is embarrassing for me as a sitting member of the House of Assembly to be invited to a constituency meeting in my constituency only to be conscripted by ambush into a pre-arranged consensus endorsement," Jamiu stated. He described the alleged endorsement as "premature and preposterous," noting that the party has yet to release official guidelines for the primaries that will determine candidates for state and national assemblies.
Allegations of Violence and Assault at Meeting
Jamiu further alleged that the meeting turned violent, claiming he was assaulted by a ward councillor who pushed and rough-handled him, and allegedly threatened his life. This incident, he said, underscores the contentious nature of the gathering and his refusal to support the consensus. Despite these challenges, the lawmaker expressed confidence that the APC national leadership would ensure internal democracy and provide a level playing field for all aspirants seeking the party's ticket.
Call for Supporters to Disregard Reports
The lawmaker urged his supporters and associates to disregard the reports suggesting he was part of the endorsement, insisting that a consensus arrangement requires the agreement of all stakeholders, which he said was not achieved. He maintained his commitment to due process and internal democracy within the party ahead of the forthcoming primaries, reiterating his stance against any undemocratic practices.
- Jamiu attended the meeting but opposed the consensus endorsement.
- APC has not approved consensus for legislative seats, only for local positions.
- He alleged assault and threats during the meeting, calling it violent.
- Jamiu remains confident in APC's internal democracy for fair primaries.
