Kayode Fayemi, former Governor of Ekiti State, has urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to ignore rumours of endorsements for the 2027 National Assembly elections. Speaking at an APC stakeholders' meeting in Isan Ekiti on Saturday, Fayemi emphasized that the Electoral Act allows for consensus or direct primaries, with consensus only valid when all aspirants agree. He stated, "Elections are unavoidable wherever people fail to agree on a consensus mode of picking a candidate for the party." Fayemi stressed that serious aspirants should welcome direct primaries and rely on their track record rather than endorsements.
Fayemi expressed concern over new party members attempting to dominate the APC, saying, "We cannot allow anyone to seize control of the party." He described such individuals as "tenants" compared to aboriginal members who built the party. He insisted that all aspirants, especially office holders, must be ready to present their achievements to the people. Meanwhile, APC State Chairman Sola Elesin said Governor Biodun Oyebanji has not endorsed any candidate for the six House of Representatives or three senatorial seats. Elesin dismissed claims of endorsements as misrepresentation, noting the party upholds free and fair competition.
Kayode Fayemi's insistence on direct primaries exposes the fragility of consensus politics when powerful figures are suspected of backing favourites. His warning against "tenants" taking over the APC reveals a deeper anxiety about loyalty and control within the party's local structure. For Ekiti APC members, the real test will be whether internal democracy survives once ambition and influence collide ahead of 2027.
