Federal lawmaker Adesida explains APC consensus failure in Ondo

By Boye Oyeyemi

A member of the House of Representatives representing Akure North/South Federal Constituency, Prince Abiodun Adesida, has explained why the consensus arrangement adopted by the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State failed to gain acceptance among aspirants.

According to Adesida, the arrangement collapsed because aspirants were not adequately carried along in the process that produced the party’s preferred candidates, stressing that consensus requires broad agreement to be effective.

“Consensus can only stand when everyone involved agrees. Once there is dissent, it loses its meaning,” he said.

The lawmaker’s remarks come amid growing resistance within the party, as six aspirants, including himself and Femi Fadairo, obtained nomination forms for the Akure North/South seat despite the earlier endorsement of Wumi Edet.

Similarly, comparable developments have been recorded across the state, with multiple aspirants purchasing nomination forms for federal and state constituencies, reflecting broader dissatisfaction with the consensus approach.

Furthermore, speaking during the presentation of his nomination form, the two-term lawmaker argued that the Electoral Act does not empower party leaders to impose candidates, insisting that the law encourages inclusivity and collective agreement.

“The law encourages agreement among aspirants, not unilateral decisions by a few leaders,” he added.

In the same vein, Adesida expressed strong support for direct primaries, describing the system as a transparent and democratic process that allows party members to choose their candidates freely.