Fayemi criticises consensus primaries, says APC losing original vision

Former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, has warned that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is losing its original vision and ideological direction, blaming internal practices such as the widespread use of consensus arrangements in primaries.

The former minister of solid minerals development made the remarks during an interview on State Affairs with Edmund Obilo, where he reviewed developments within the ruling party.

Fayemi, a founding member of the party, alleged that the APC was experiencing a decline in intellectual engagement and robust internal debate, which he described as central to its early identity.

He expressed concern that the increasing reliance on consensus candidates during party primaries runs contrary to democratic principles and weakens internal competition within the party.

“This is not where the party has come from. We have lost our bearing and the vision of the founding fathers of this party,” he said.

He also criticised a growing trend in which party members reportedly seek endorsements and political favour from the presidency, warning that such behaviour could destabilise the party’s internal structure.

According to him, the situation risks creating dissatisfaction among members who do not benefit from consensus arrangements, potentially leading to internal tensions.

Fayemi, however, noted that he does not view President Bola Tinubu’s influence in candidate selection as outright imposition, suggesting that party stakeholders may willingly align with his preferences.