Former Ekiti Governor Fayemi says APC has abandoned internal democracy, warning growing consensus politics and endorsements could trigger party implosion.
Former Ekiti State Governor and founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Kayode Fayemi, has warned that the ruling party is drifting away from the ideals and vision of its founding fathers, lamenting what he described as a growing absence of debate, intellectualism and internal democracy within the party.
Speaking during an interview on State Affairs , Fayemi criticised the increasing adoption of consensus arrangements in party primaries across states, arguing that the trend runs contrary to democratic principles and could trigger discontent within the APC.
“This is not where the party has come from. We have lost our bearing and the vision of the founding fathers of this party,” Fayemi said.
The former Minister of Solid Minerals Development noted that he had raised concerns about the current state of the APC during the party’s recent South-West conference held in Lagos, stressing that the culture of robust engagement and ideological debates that once defined the party appears to have faded.
While acknowledging that President Bola Tinubu remains one of the founding fathers of the APC, Fayemi suggested that the pressures of governance may have overshadowed broader party-building efforts.
On allegations that Tinubu’s leadership style encourages the imposition of candidates for political offices, Fayemi dismissed the suggestion, insisting that the situation may simply reflect widespread agreement with the president’s preferences.
“Maybe they just agree with him,” he said.
However, Fayemi warned that the growing trend of party members seeking endorsements and favours from the Presidency could pose serious risks to the APC’s stability ahead of future political contests.
“It would be unfortunate if everybody is running to Aso Rock because they want something,” he said.
He added that the reliance on consensus arrangements could deepen divisions within the ruling party if not carefully managed.
“Those who don’t get consensus won’t be happy… and you’re waiting for an implosion,” Fayemi warned.