….raises alarm over imminent “self-inflicted crisis”
A political group under the aegis of the “APC Alliance for Integrity” has raised alarm over what it alleged to be a series of disturbing developments happening within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State following the emergence of candidates via imposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group warned that if the situation is not urgently addressed, it would threaten the unity, stability, and electoral fortunes of the ruling party ahead of the elections.
The “APC Alliance for Integrity” in a press release issued on Tuesday, signed by its State Coordinator, Fadijo Omonijo and made available to New Telegraph in Ado-Ekiti, stated that the party leaders at the highest level have publicly reaffirmed commitment to internal democracy, fairness, and adherence to the Electoral Act.
The statement, however, added that the unfolding events on the ground suggest a widening gap between the assurances by the leaders and actual practices within the party’s structure.
The development, according to Omonijo, compelled the group to sound a clear and unequivocal warning to avoid a self-inflicted crisis within the party.
“The increasing resort to fraudulent endorsements and attempts to impose candidates under the guise of consensus is not only undemocratic but dangerously counterproductive.
” These actions are already triggering avoidable tensions, deepening divisions, and eroding the confidence of party faithful across several local governments.
“Particularly troubling is the reported kangaroo endorsement of a serving House of Rep. member in Iyin Ekiti, allegedly led by a serving Commissioner. Such actions, carried out without due process and without the consent of all aspirants, are a direct violation of democratic norms and the provisions of the Electoral Act.
“It is important to clearly distinguish this from a genuine consensus outcome. The endorsement of Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele within the Ekiti Central Senatorial District stands as a clear example of a legitimate and widely accepted consensus, as it enjoyed the support of party members and did not generate dissent, with no other aspirants emerging to contest the position.
“In contrast, the attempt to smuggle in the endorsement of the said House of Representatives member has been met with widespread rejection. The reactions of stakeholders, as seen in the video currently in circulation, clearly demonstrate that such an endorsement lacks legitimacy, acceptance, and the backing of party faithful.
“Let it be clearly stated that any endorsement that does not carry the voluntary agreement of all aspirants is null in principle and amounts to imposition. This path will only breed resentment, provoke internal crisis, and weaken the party’s collective strength.
“It is also important to state that the APC guidelines for State and National Assembly primary elections have not yet been released. Any attempt at endorsement, affirmation, or adoption of candidates at this stage is therefore premature, irregular, and inconsistent with due process.
“We must further express grave concern over the situation in Ise Orun Local Government, where a planned kangaroo endorsement reportedly degenerated into a highly disturbing development, including the alleged invasion of the APC party secretariat by soldiers.
This strange occurrence within a party once known for internal discipline and democratic order raises serious questions about the extent to which internal political disputes are being escalated beyond acceptable democratic norms.
“Such militarisation or forceful interference in party affairs, whether directly or indirectly enabled, is unacceptable and represents a dangerous precedent that must be urgently addressed.
” We must warn in the strongest terms that any further attempt to impose the serving lawmaker on Ekiti Central Federal Constituency 1 will ignite a serious crisis within the constituency. Such a development will have far-reaching consequences and may negatively affect the fortunes of the party.
“The implications of these actions are grave. A divided party cannot inspire confidence among voters. A process perceived as unjust will inevitably lead to apathy, protest votes, or internal resistance. Ultimately, this puts the electoral strength and cohesion of the APC at significant risk.
“We must not allow personal interests and narrow ambitions to destroy the hard-earned unity and goodwill that the party currently enjoys.”
The group therefore called on all leaders of the APC in the State “to immediately close ranks, de-escalate tensions, and restore confidence in the party by ensuring that all candidates emerge through credible, transparent, and competitive primary elections.
” There must be no room for intimidation, manipulation, or backdoor arrangements. The strength of our party lies in its ability to accommodate diverse interests through fair and open processes.
“Anything short of this will continue to generate avoidable crises and hand undue advantage to opposition forces. The time to act is now.m
” Let justice be done. Let fairness prevail. Let democracy within the party be protected, “the group insisted.
