A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, Chuks Alozie, has warned that any move to adopt a consensus governorship candidate would weaken internal democracy and undermine the party’s chances ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Alozie cautioned that imposing a candidate would send the wrong signal to grassroots supporters and sideline thousands of party members eager to participate in a transparent selection process.
He said the alleged push for consensus candidacy risks eroding the democratic values the APC claims to uphold.
“APC’s best chance of victory is to field an acceptable candidate whose emergence is through a transparent competition process reflecting on majority’s will,” Alozie stated.
He emphasized that party primaries are essential for testing the popularity, preparedness, and vision of aspirants, noting that the process compels candidates to engage party members across wards and constituencies.
“The essence of any political party primaries is to test the popularity of aspirants, their readiness and vision. The person is expected to visit the constituencies and wards, earn the trust of the party members and at the same time sell their manifesto,” he said.
Alozie warned that bypassing this process could leave the party ill-prepared for the rigours of the general election.
“If Abia APC fails to abide by this process in presenting its governorship candidate and others whom the party must have scrutinised, as an opposition party in the state, I fear we may end up struggling to withstand the rigorous general campaign that is coming up,” he added.
On party unity, Alozie insisted that true cohesion can only be achieved through open and credible contests, not imposed arrangements, warning that consensus candidacy could trigger internal divisions.
“History shows that once there is an imposed candidacy in a political party, members whose preferred candidates were shut out of the race become demoralised. The next thing is defection with their large number of supporters, or you see factionalism and anti-party activities,” he said.
He further argued that credible primaries foster inclusiveness and collective commitment among party members.
“When free and fair primary is conducted, everyone gets a sense of belonging. Even those that lost at the primaries will accept the outcome and join forces for the victory of the party,” Alozie noted.
“In fact, rejecting the so-called consensus candidates in Abia APC will not only showcase the democratic nature of APC but it will also project the quality of our various flag bearers, including that of the governorship candidate,” he added.
Alozie therefore urged the Abia State Working Committee of the party to uphold the sanctity of open primaries and resist any attempt by individuals or groups to impose a consensus governorship candidate, stressing that transparency remains key to electoral success and party cohesion.
