A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Abia State, Apostle Chuks Alozie, has warned that any move to adopt a consensus governorship candidate could weaken the party’s internal democracy.
He said such a step would send the wrong signal to grassroots supporters and discourage meaningful participation within the party.
Alozie spoke in Abuja on Wednesday while addressing journalists on the alleged plan to produce a consensus candidate for the Abia governorship race.
He cautioned that the move could sideline thousands of party members who expect to choose their candidates through a transparent ballot process.
According to him, imposing a candidate would undermine the democratic principles the APC claims to uphold.
“A party’s best chance of victory lies in presenting an acceptable candidate who emerges through a credible and competitive process reflecting the will of the majority,” he said.
Alozie explained that party primaries are designed to test aspirants’ popularity, readiness and vision.
He added that aspirants must engage party members across wards and constituencies to earn trust and present their manifestoes.
He warned that failure to follow due process could weaken the party’s preparedness for the general election.
“As an opposition party in the state, I fear we may struggle to withstand the rigours of the coming general campaign if we ignore due process,” he said.
On party unity, Alozie stressed that genuine cohesion could only be achieved through open and fair contests, not imposed arrangements.
He warned that consensus candidacy could trigger factionalism, anti-party activities and resentment among members.
“History shows that imposed candidacies often lead to demoralisation, defections and internal crises,” he added.
He maintained that free and fair primaries would give all members a sense of belonging, even those who lose.
Alozie urged the Abia State Working Committee to uphold the sanctity of open primaries and resist any pressure to impose a consensus governorship candidate.
He said doing so would strengthen party cohesion, enhance credibility and improve the APC’s chances at the polls.
