Joe Ekel
Former Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi, has expressed deep concern over
what he described as the gradual decline in internal democracy and ideological
direction within the All Progressives Congress.
Speaking during an
appearance on a public affairs programme, the former minister said the ruling
party no longer reflects the principles and values upon which it was
established. According to him, meaningful political engagement and healthy
intellectual discussions that once shaped the party have largely disappeared.
Fayemi criticised the
growing reliance on consensus arrangements during party primaries across
several states, arguing that the approach weakens democratic participation
within the party structure. He maintained that allowing a few individuals to
determine candidates without open contests could create frustration among loyal
members.
The
former governor, who played a key role in the formation of the APC, said he
recently voiced similar concerns during the party’s South-West stakeholders’
meeting held in Lagos.
According
to him, the current situation is far removed from the original vision shared by
the founding leaders of the party. He warned that the APC risks losing its
identity if urgent efforts are not made to restore internal debate,
inclusiveness and political balance.
Fayemi
also spoke about the role of President Bola
Tinubu within the party, noting that although the president remains one
of the architects of the APC, the heavy responsibilities of governance may have
limited his direct involvement in party affairs.
When
asked whether Tinubu was encouraging the imposition of candidates, Fayemi
dismissed the suggestion, insisting that party members may simply be aligning
themselves with the president voluntarily.
However,
he cautioned against the increasing culture of politicians seeking political
survival and endorsements mainly from the Presidency. He said such dependence
on the Villa could trigger deeper divisions within the party.
The
former governor warned that dissatisfied aspirants denied opportunities through
consensus arrangements could eventually revolt against the system, creating
instability within the APC ahead of future elections.
He stressed that political parties can only remain strong
when members are allowed to compete fairly and openly without fear of exclusion
or manipulation.
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