The Imperative of Transparent Primaries: Why ‘Backdoor Consensus’ Threatens Nigeria’s Internal Democracy

In a pointed address that resonates far beyond the corridors of the National Assembly, the Leader of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has issued a clarion call for strict adherence to transparency and due process in the conduct of All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries. His warning against what he termed “backdoor consensus” arrangements—where party elites impose candidates without genuine grassroots participation—underscores a fundamental tension in Nigeria’s evolving democracy: the balance between efficiency and inclusivity.

Senator Bamidele made these remarks on Monday in Abuja, shortly after submitting his APC Expression of Interest and Nomination forms for the next electoral cycle. While his own candidacy in Ekiti Central Senatorial District appears uncontested—bolstered by broad stakeholder support and consistent engagement—he cautioned that such outcomes should not be mistaken for a universal model. “Where consensus works, it is because trust has been earned and processes were properly followed. It must never be imposed or manipulated,” he said.

The Legal Framework: Consensus as a Tool, Not a Loophole

Nigeria’s Electoral Act explicitly provides for three modes of primary elections: direct, indirect, and consensus. However, Senator Bamidele stressed that consensus is only valid when it is “transparent, inclusive, and in line with the provisions of the law.” This is a critical distinction. In practice, consensus has often been weaponized by party gatekeepers to sideline challengers, bypass ward-level participation, and anoint preferred candidates without the rigour of a competitive vote.

“Consensus is only valid when it is transparent, inclusive, and in line with the provisions of the law. It cannot be used as a shortcut to bypass democratic participation,” he said. The Senate Leader explained that none of the primary modes—direct, indirect, or consensus—exempt aspirants from proper participation at the ward and constituency levels. This is a crucial safeguard: ward-level engagement is the bedrock of party democracy, where local stakeholders vet candidates and build organic support.

When Consensus Fails: The Fallback to Direct Primaries

Senator Bamidele maintained that where consensus fails or becomes controversial, the party must resort to direct primaries to ensure fairness. “There must be room for everyone who is qualified and interested to participate. Where disagreements arise, the Electoral Act already provides a clear path through direct primaries,” he added. This is not merely a procedural point—it is a democratic imperative. Direct primaries, where all registered party members vote, are the most transparent method of candidate selection. They reduce the risk of elite capture and give ordinary party members a tangible stake in the outcome.

For example, in the 2022 APC primaries, several states witnessed acrimonious disputes when consensus arrangements collapsed, leading to parallel primaries, court cases, and defections. A transparent fallback to direct primaries could have mitigated these fractures. Senator Bamidele’s warning is thus a timely reminder that the party’s strength lies in its ability to manage internal competition fairly, not suppress it.

The Risks of Exclusionary Processes

Senator Bamidele noted that consensus arrangements have produced mixed results across constituencies. Where they have succeeded, it is often because the aspirant had already demonstrated competence and built trust through consistent engagement—as he claims in his own district, where no other aspirant obtained nomination forms. However, he cautioned against generalising such outcomes. “Any process perceived as exclusionary could create internal divisions within the party,” he warned.

This is a lesson drawn from recent political history. In the run-up to the 2023 general elections, several APC state chapters experienced bitter infighting after consensus candidates were imposed without broad consultation. The result was not unity but fragmentation: aggrieved aspirants either contested as independents, defected to other parties, or worked against the party’s candidates in the general election. The cost of such disunity is measurable in lost seats and diminished public trust.

Practical Example: The Ekiti Central Model vs. National Realities

Senator Bamidele’s own situation in Ekiti Central offers a useful case study. He attributes the lack of opposition to his candidacy to “consistent engagement and performance.” This suggests that when an incumbent or aspirant has delivered tangible results—constituency projects, legislative advocacy, or community development—consensus can emerge organically. However, this model is not easily replicable in districts where incumbents are perceived as disconnected or underperforming. In such cases, forcing consensus can backfire spectacularly.

For party leaders, the lesson is clear: consensus must be earned, not declared. It requires transparent consultation with ward executives, local government chairmen, women and youth wings, and other stakeholders. Without this groundwork, consensus becomes a euphemism for imposition.

Internal Democracy: The Bedrock of Party Strength

Senator Bamidele reaffirmed that internal democracy remains critical to the strength of the APC and Nigeria’s democratic system. “At every level, our processes must be transparent, competitive where necessary, and fully compliant with the law. That is the only way to sustain confidence in our party and democracy,” he said. This is not just a philosophical position—it is a practical necessity. Political parties are the gatekeepers of democratic representation. When their internal processes are opaque or rigged, the entire electoral system suffers.

Research by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) has shown that parties with robust internal democracy tend to produce more accountable candidates and enjoy higher voter trust. Conversely, parties that rely on backroom deals and elite consensus often face legitimacy crises and electoral losses.

Call to Action for Party Stakeholders

Senator Bamidele urged party stakeholders to avoid actions that could erode trust or create unnecessary tension ahead of the elections. “Unity within the APC must be built on fairness and adherence to rules,” he stressed. This is a direct challenge to party leaders at all levels: resist the temptation to short-circuit democratic processes for short-term political convenience. The long-term health of the party—and the nation—depends on it.

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Conclusion: A Roadmap for Transparent Primaries

Senator Bamidele’s remarks serve as both a warning and a roadmap. For the APC and other Nigerian political parties, the path forward involves:

• Prioritising ward-level participation as the foundation of candidate selection.
• Using consensus only when it is transparent, inclusive, and legally compliant.
• Falling back to direct primaries when consensus fails or is contested.
• Ensuring equal opportunity for all qualified aspirants, regardless of incumbency or connections.
• Building trust through performance and engagement, not imposition.

As Nigeria prepares for the next electoral cycle, the integrity of party primaries will determine not only who contests but also the quality of democracy that citizens experience. Senator Bamidele’s call for transparency is not just a partisan position—it is a democratic necessity.

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