- He maintained that party leadership must prioritise fielding strong candidates for the 2027 elections
- Daniel further urged party leaders to ensure fairness in upcoming primaries
- He explained that consensus arrangements help reduce internal conflict and cut campaign costs
Tensions have intensified within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as disputes over consensus candidate arrangements deepen divisions, with loyalists of former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel and several aspirants in Oyo State rejecting what they describe as attempts to impose candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
In Ogun State, Eko Hot Blog gathered that the controversy centres on the Ogun East senatorial ticket, where critics have pushed back against claims that the seat is automatically reserved for Daniel.
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Speaking on behalf of Governor Dapo Abiodun, his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, defended the party’s use of consensus, describing it as a lawful and strategic option under the Electoral Act.
He explained that consensus arrangements help reduce internal conflict and cut campaign costs, while noting that dissatisfied aspirants still retain the option of participating in direct primaries.
Akinmade also argued that previous political arrangements within the state had followed similar consensus processes, insisting that no individual, including Daniel, had exclusive entitlement to the senatorial ticket.
He maintained that party leadership must prioritise fielding strong candidates for the 2027 elections, adding that even the governor could contest for the Senate seat if he chooses.
However, Daniel, through his media aide Steve Oliyide, insisted he would only participate in a primary election that is transparent, credible and free from manipulation.
He warned that any process perceived as predetermined would undermine democratic principles and damage confidence in the party’s internal structures.
Daniel further urged party leaders to ensure fairness in upcoming primaries, stressing that only open competition could guarantee legitimacy and public trust.
Meanwhile in Oyo State, tensions also emerged over the APC primary process in the Oluyole Federal Constituency, where aspirant Gbolagade Abiodun accused some party leaders of attempting to impose a consensus candidate without broad consultation.
Abiodun said he was not opposed to consensus politics but insisted it must be based on genuine agreement among stakeholders rather than unilateral decisions.
Reacting to the allegations, Oyo APC Publicity Secretary Wale Sadare denied claims of imposition, stating that the party remains committed to fairness, transparency and internal democracy.
He explained that consensus is only adopted where achievable, while competitive primaries are conducted when agreement cannot be reached.
Sadare added that what some members interpret as imposition is often the outcome of broader consultations aimed at maintaining unity within the party.
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