Senate Leader Urges Unity in Ekiti APC

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has issued a strong call for unity among members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, cautioning against allowing National Assembly aspirations to fracture the party's cohesion. Speaking at the Ekiti APC Central Senatorial District meeting in Ado Ekiti, Bamidele stressed the critical need for effective internal management to prevent any 'implosion' that could be exploited by opposition parties.

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The Electoral Act has prescribed two modes of primaries. One is through consensus, the other is through direct primaries. Even those of us that will emerge through consensus still have to go through the primaries. Everybody will face primaries, everybody, including myself.

Bamidele's address underscored the delicate balance required in managing internal party politics, especially concerning nominations for legislative seats. He acknowledged the district leaders for adopting him as a consensus candidate, recognizing his contributions. However, he extended crucial advice to aspirants, particularly those vying for the House of Representatives, urging them to maintain loyalty to the party regardless of the outcome of primary elections.

He assured party members that the APC would adhere to due process in selecting its National Assembly candidates, outlining both consensus and direct primary modes as prescribed by the Electoral Act. Bamidele emphasized that even those emerging through consensus must still participate in the primaries, ensuring a level playing field. For those who might not emerge victorious, he advised against viewing it as a failure, suggesting that circumstances or geopolitical considerations might influence outcomes, but consistency within the party remains paramount.

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So the other people should not see themselves as having failed. It could be that it is not their time yet. It could also be that certain circumstances or geopolitical considerations might not favour them at the particular time. But what is important is to remain consistent, to remain relevant within the party, knowing that, by God’s grace, their own time will also come.

The APC State Chairman, Sola Elesin, echoed Bamidele's sentiments, commending the district for its peaceful atmosphere and describing it as a model for political stability. He assured House of Representatives aspirants that while consensus might be explored, the party would guarantee a fair process where direct primaries are necessary, reinforcing the commitment to internal democracy and party strength.

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We do not want anything to disrupt the peace we have been building in the district. For those contesting, there will be a level playing ground where consensus is not possible.