The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has clarified that the party’s adoption of a consensus candidate for any elective position requires the voluntary and unanimous consent of all aspirants, not just a majority or a decision by party leadership.
Speaking on the party’s nomination process ahead of the 2027 general elections, Yilwatda stressed that “consensus is not a tool for imposition” and that any aspirant who does not agree to step down must not be forced into accepting a consensus arrangement .
“If one aspirant objects, there is no consensus. The process reverts to direct primaries,” a party source echoed in line with the chairman’s directive .
The clarification follows rising concerns over rumours that the party might attempt to impose candidates in some states, particularly where multiple aspirants are seeking the same ticket .
This position aligns with earlier statements by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, who was quoted as saying: “The party’s rule is clear. Adoption of a consensus candidate shall be by the voluntary agreement of all aspirants” .
The party had earlier announced that it adopted both direct primaries and consensus options for selecting candidates. Under this rule, where consensus fails—whether at the presidential, governorship, or legislative levels—the process will automatically revert to direct primaries .
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed support for the consensus option, provided it is conducted transparently and democratically, in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 .
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