‘I want free, fair primaries’ – Gbanga Daniel; Ogun East not your birthright – Akinmade

By Dapo Akinrefon & James Ogunnaike

Cracks in the ruling APC over consensus have widened with loyalists of former Gbenga Daniel and aggrieved aspirants in Oyo State rejecting alleged imposition of candidates.

Read Also: Fuss over consensus in South-South 

Speaking on behalf of Dapo Abiodun, the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, dismissed claims that the Ogun East Senatorial ticket belongs to Daniel as a right.

Akinmade told Saturday Vanguard that consensus remained a legitimate option under the Electoral Act, stressing that it helps political parties reduce internal crises and campaign expenses.

He said: “Consensus arrangement is part of the Electoral Act. What the leadership of the party believes is that having a consensus will save the party money, prevent internal strife and acrimony and, at the same time, help the party move forward.

“Those who do not agree with consensus have the option of participating in direct primaries.”

According to him, the governor had earlier assured aspirants who stepped down for consensus candidates that they would be compensated, adding that many had benefited from such arrangements.

Akinmade recalled that Daniel himself emerged through consensus after the late Oba Sikiru Adetona reportedly prevailed on Senator Lekan Mustapha to withdraw from the race.

“The late Awujale of Ijebuland called the governor and other stakeholders and pleaded that Senator Lekan Mustapha should step down for Gbenga Daniel. He listened and stepped down.

“So, if Senator Lekan Mustapha could concede to Daniel, why can’t Daniel also listen to the party?” he asked.

He added that the Ogun East senatorial seat was not exclusively reserved for Daniel, insisting that the party had the responsibility of fielding its “best 11” for the 2027 elections.

Akinmade also said there would be nothing wrong if Governor Abiodun decides to contest for the Senate seat.

No option to credible primaries — Daniel

However, Daniel has declared that he would only participate in primary elections that are free, fair and credible.

The senator, who represents Ogun East, warned against any process whose outcome appeared predetermined.

Speaking through his media aide, Steve Oliyide, Daniel said democracy must be protected from practices capable of undermining the integrity of party primaries.

He stated: “Any electoral exercise whose outcome appears predetermined will fail the test of credibility and fairness.

“Genuine democratic contests must allow party members to freely decide their preferred candidates without external interference.”

Daniel noted that the conduct of the House of Representatives primaries would serve as a litmus test for the credibility of the entire process.

He urged party leaders to ensure transparent primaries capable of inspiring confidence among members and the wider public.

In Oyo State, an aggrieved aspirant for the Oluyole Federal Constituency seat, Gbolagade Abiodun, accused some APC leaders of attempting to impose a consensus candidate without broad consultation.

Abiodun said while he was not opposed to consensus, the process must reflect genuine agreement among stakeholders.

“My concern is the growing perception that some party leaders are attempting to impose a so-called consensus candidate without proper consultation,” he said.

“The protest by party members in Ibadan reflected a strong demand for fairness, transparency and internal democracy.”

Reacting, Oyo APC Publicity Secretary, Wale Sadare, denied allegations of imposition, insisting that the party remained committed to fairness and transparency.

Sadare said: “No candidate is imposed by the party leadership. Our constitution provides for consensus where achievable and competitive primaries where consensus is not possible.

“What some perceive as imposition is often the outcome of consultations among stakeholders aimed at strengthening unity and managing internal party interests.”

He assured aspirants across the state of a level playing field, adding that where consensus fails, the party would conduct open and credible primaries.

The post ‘I want free, fair primaries’ – Gbanga Daniel; Ogun East not your birthright – Akinmade appeared first on Vanguard News.