Politics

Primary Election: APC List Conditions For Picking Consensus Candidature

Published

6 years ago

September 11, 2018

The All Progressives Party (APC) says the option of consensus candidature is conditional, in a statement signed by its acting national publicity secretary.

In a statement released in Abuja on Tuesday, the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Yekini Nabena, gave some conditions for consensus candidature of the ruling party.

The APC had initially adopted indirect primary for all positions apart from the presidential election, but later changed to direct primary, saying it would ensure fairness and create a level playing ground for contestants.

The decision of the party brought about division among members with some states kicking against it. Some state chapters of the party even opted to use direct primary, while others agreed on indirect primary and consensus.

Nabena in the new statement, disclosed that the party’s consensus will apply only when no other aspirant signifies interest through purchase of its Expression of Interest and Nomination forms for the position in question ahead of its primaries.

He said the clarification became necessary following the announcement of consensus candidates for elective positions for the 2019 general elections in some of the party’s state chapters.

The statement read: “The attention of the APC has been drawn to announcements of consensus candidates for elective positions in some states, it is therefore, pertinent to make some clarifications to enlighten party faithful on the procedure for nominating candidates.

“While consensus is provided for by the party’s constitution, the option is conditional. Consensus does not foreclose Direct or Indirect Primaries for all elective positions as contained in the resolution of the 6th Meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

“Again, consensus will apply when no other aspirant signify interest through purchase of nomination forms for the position in question.”