Fayemi Raises Alarm Over APC’s Shift from Foundational Ideals
Kayode Fayemi, the former governor of Ekiti State and a foundational member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has expressed concern that the party’s increasing tendency towards consensus politics and a diminishing culture of internal debate are steering it toward political disintegration. He cautioned that the APC is drifting away from the core principles that originally united its members.
Concerns Over Diminished Democratic Practices
In an interview with Edmund Obilo on State Affairs, Fayemi noted that the APC appears to be forfeiting the progressive ideology and intellectual rigor that set it apart from its competitors. He highlighted that the party’s reliance on consensus-driven primaries is undermining democracy at the grassroots level and alienating many long-standing members.
The Undemocratic Nature of Consensus Primaries
The former Minister of Mines and Steel Development asserted that political parties flourish when their members have the freedom to challenge ideas and leadership roles instead of being compelled to endorse pre-selected candidates. He characterized the prevalent practice of selecting consensus candidates in APC primaries as undemocratic and cautioned that it could exacerbate divisions within the party.
Need for Transparency in Political Processes
Fayemi acknowledged that while consensus can play a role in mitigating conflicts, it should not replace transparent and competitive elections. He observed that many party officials feel marginalized as an increasingly small group of influential individuals makes decisions with little community input.
A Call to Return to Core Values
He reflected on the founding of the APC as a coalition of progressive forces with a distinct ideological framework, lamenting that this vision is waning amid internal rivalries and decreased democratic engagement. Fayemi expressed disappointment over what he perceives as a decline in intellectualism within the party, stating that political dialogue now seems more transactional than focused on substantive issues.
Concerns About Intra-Party Competition
Fayemi warned that suppressing competition within the party could foster resentment among members and potentially lead to future crises. He championed the importance of welcoming diverse viewpoints and allowing candidates equal opportunities to showcase their popularity through credible primaries.
APC Faces Growing Criticism
His remarks come at a time when the APC is facing mounting scrutiny from opposition parties and even insiders regarding the management of party primaries and the rising influence of political power brokers within the coalition. In various states, party leaders are advancing consensus candidates ahead of gubernatorial, legislative, and local elections, often igniting protests from discontented candidates and their followers.
A Plea for Reform and Restoration
Political analysts interpret Fayemi’s comments as indicative of broader apprehensions among some founding members of the APC, who worry that the party might be gradually losing its ideological essence. Established in 2013 from a merger of various factions, including the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the APC has historic roots worth preserving. Fayemi believes that the party can reclaim its strength by revisiting its original principles of inclusivity, open dialogue, and democratic competition. He urged party leaders to initiate reforms that would help rebuild trust among members and enhance internal democratic processes ahead of future elections.
