APC primaries will be decided by members, not endorsements – Fayemi
By Rasaq Ibrahim, Ado-Ekiti Former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, has stated that candidates of the (APC) for the House of Assembly and National Assembly will emerge through the choice
By Rasaq Ibrahim, Ado-Ekiti
Former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, has stated that candidates of the (APC) for the House of Assembly and National Assembly will emerge through the choice of party members, not through what he described as “kangaroo endorsements” by party leaders.
Fayemi emphasised that performance, competence, and grassroots support—not claims of elite backing—would determine outcomes in the party’s primaries.
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Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting held at his country home in Isan-Ekiti, the former governor stressed that primaries would not be bypassed in any constituency where consensus among aspirants is not achieved.
He explained that in such cases, aspirants would be given the opportunity to test their popularity and strength in a process he assured would be free, fair, and transparent.
Fayemi urged aspirants who are confident in their track record, capacity, and grassroots appeal to embrace the primary process without fear.
“The law provides for both consensus and direct primaries. Every verified, card-carrying party member who participated in the revalidation exercise has the right to vote,”
Fayemi said that consensus agreements by some leaders would not override the choice of party members, reiterating that they are the true soul of the APC and will determine who represents the party at all levels in the forthcoming elections.
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The former governor dismissed claims that Governor Oyebanji, himself, or ex-governor Niyi Adebayo had endorsed any particular aspirant.
He called on party members to support serving lawmakers who have performed creditably and reject those who have failed to deliver, stressing that aspirants confident in their record should welcome the primary rather than seeking party leaders' endorsement.
The former governor noted that while it was initially expected that primaries would take place before governorship election, the party must not allow any action that could undermine Governor Oyebanji's second term ambition.
Fayemi warned against any attempt to impose aspirants on party members, saying that such moves would threaten internal democracy and weaken APC’s chances at the polls.
Fayemi also addressed concerns about new entrants into the party, saying he would not allow “tenants” to take over APC from the aboriginal members of the
“There is nothing wrong with a new member joining, but there are proper processes that must be followed. We cannot allow anyone to seize control of the party,” he warned.
He added that some individuals had been claiming ownership of the party, but insisted that the true power rests with the members, saying “We shall see who truly owns it. Opportunists cannot jeopardise the Governor’s re-election".
