Of the consensually sidelined

Nigeria's All Progressives Congress (APC) is solidifying its political dominance, particularly in the South-West, through a strategy of "consensus candidates." This approach, rooted in the region's tradition of "collegiate politics," prioritizes collective decision-making over individual aspirations. The party has unveiled consensus picks for key positions, signaling a shift towards a model where "the leaders have spoken" dictates political outcomes.

This "collegiate consensus" is evolving into a national template for "clinical exclusion," especially as the APC governs 32 out of 36 states. The party appears to be leveraging this consolidated power to prepare for the 2027 general elections. While consensus aims to stabilize the party structure, critics argue it stifles individual ambition and raises questions about democratic processes.

Oyo State served as a recent example, where Sharafadeen Alli emerged as the consensus governorship candidate despite internal contests. Similarly, in Rivers State, the political landscape saw a dramatic shift with Kingsley Chinda, formerly a PDP Minority Leader, defecting to the APC to secure the governorship ticket. His emergence, reportedly influenced by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has ignited controversy regarding party loyalty and the legitimacy of such consensus arrangements.