2027: Ebonyi APC Adopts Consensus Candidates, Backs Nwifuru’s Peace Initiative

In a significant move aimed at consolidating power and ensuring party cohesion, the Ebonyi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has opted for a consensus candidate approach for the 2027 general elections. This decision, announced by Governor Francis Nwifuru following an extensive consultative meeting, effectively bypasses the need for primary elections across all elective positions within the state.

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As the leader of the party, we convened a meeting of stakeholders and deliberated on issues concerning our party

The rationale presented by Governor Nwifuru and echoed by stakeholders, including former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, centers on sustaining peace and unity within the APC. This approach, they argue, stems from broad consultations across senatorial districts and culminates in a unified decision by party leaders and stakeholders. The emphasis is on an inclusive process that involves the electorate and party members in selecting flag bearers, thereby strengthening the party's foundation.

From the perspective of Ebonyi APC leadership, this consensus model is seen as a strategic advantage for the 2027 polls. By presenting a united front without the internal wrangling often associated with primary contests, the party aims to maximize its chances of victory. This method, while potentially limiting direct competition for tickets, is framed as a means to ensure that candidates who emerge have broad support and are well-positioned to campaign effectively.

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For the first time in the history of the state, stakeholders, the electorate, and party members were fully involved in selecting those who will fly the party’s flag

This development reflects a broader trend in Nigerian politics where consensus-building is often employed to manage internal party politics and present a formidable front to opposition parties. The Ebonyi APC's adoption of this strategy, as articulated by its leaders, highlights a deliberate effort to prioritize party harmony and electoral success over potentially divisive primary contests. The commitment to releasing the list of consensus candidates in due course signifies the finalization of this internal political process.

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The implication is that there is no constituency that is going to be contested because we have reached consensus on all elective offices