No imposition of candidates in Ondo APC — Rep

Derin Adesida, a member of the House of Representatives representing the Akure North/Akure South Federal Constituency in Ondo State, has voiced strong optimism regarding the upcoming primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He asserts that the party's internal democratic processes will not permit the imposition of candidates, whether through consensus or direct primary methods. Adesida's confidence stems from his belief that the established rules are designed to ensure that the most popular aspirants emerge as the party's flagbearers.

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I have no fear about the two modes of primary, either consensus or direct primary. Consensus works when everybody agrees. But if only one person dissents, just one person, then it cannot work. That means there can be no consensus. In a direct primary, every card-carrying member of the party is involved.

Speaking to journalists after obtaining his expression of interest and nomination forms, Adesida elaborated on the merits of both consensus and direct primaries. He noted that consensus requires universal agreement, implying that any dissent would invalidate it. Conversely, he highlighted direct primaries as a more inclusive process where every card-carrying member participates, likening it to a general election. This system, he argues, makes it virtually impossible to impose a candidate, as aspirants must present themselves directly to the party faithful for selection based on popularity.

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We made the law. So we have no choice. I’m part of the system that enacted the law that was signed by Mr President. Even in the United States and some other advanced countries, they do direct primaries. It’s like a general election. In the US, for example, everybody goes to the polls, especially party members. They call them delegates, and they vote for whoever will represent them. So I think it is better than the previous delegates system.

From a Nigerian political perspective, Adesida's statements address a recurring concern about internal party democracy and the fairness of candidate selection. The history of political parties in Nigeria has often been marred by allegations of godfatherism and the imposition of candidates, which can lead to disunity and electoral setbacks. Adesida's emphasis on direct primaries as a bulwark against such practices reflects a desire for a more transparent and participatory approach to candidate selection. His own experience, where constituents purchased his forms, further bolsters his narrative of grassroots support and discourages the notion of imposed leadership. This focus on popular mandate is crucial in a political environment where party loyalty and internal cohesion are often tested.

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In direct primary, everybody in the party will come out. You can’t even bribe anyone. You don’t know who is coming, so you present yourself to the people for them to choose. If you are popular, you are elected. So imposition of candidates won’t be possible.