2027 Poll: Ekiti APC Youths protest Against Consensus Plan

Youth members of the All Progressives Congress in Ado Local Government Area of Ekiti State staged a protest on Saturday against an alleged move to adopt a consensus candidate for the Ado/Irepodun–Ifelodun Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the candidate should emerge through a transparent process involving all party members.

The protesters, drawn from 13 wards within the council area, gathered with placards to show their rejection of any arrangement that would deny aspirants the chance to contest. They maintained that only direct primaries would allow party members to choose their preferred candidate and reflect the true wishes of the people.

The group called on the state governor, Biodun Oyebanji, and the party’s state chairman, Sola Elesin, to ensure a fair process where all interested aspirants can participate freely. They argued that such an approach would strengthen internal democracy within the party and promote unity among members.

Speaking for the group, convener Tajudeen Adeleye said the protest was organised to push for a better political process ahead of the primaries. He questioned the quality of representation in the constituency over the past eight years, stating that many residents were not satisfied with the outcomes.

He also stated that the youths were not against the party leadership but wanted a system where their voices would count in choosing candidates. While expressing support for the governor’s second-term ambition, the group urged him to ensure that fairness is applied in selecting candidates for other positions.

The protesters further called on Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele to remain neutral amid claims that some leaders were trying to influence the emergence of a preferred candidate. They insisted that the party’s internal rules should be followed and that no individual should be forced on members.

The protest comes at a time of rising tension within the party in Ekiti State, as debates continue over whether candidates for National Assembly seats should emerge through consensus or competitive primaries.

Earlier, former governor Kayode Fayemi had warned against imposing candidates, stating that the party must follow its constitution and allow proper primaries where consensus is not reached.