Direct Primaries Still an Option as Gombe APC Defends Consensus: A Deeper Look at Nigeria’s Candidate Selection Process

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State has publicly defended its adoption of consensus candidates for the 2027 governorship, National Assembly, and State Assembly elections. However, the party has also made it clear that direct primaries remain available for any aspirant dissatisfied with the arrangement. This dual-track approach, while rooted in the party’s constitution, has sparked significant debate among political stakeholders and observers alike.

Understanding the Consensus Mechanism

In a statement issued by the State Publicity Secretary, Moses Kyari, the APC emphasized that consensus was adopted in line with the party’s constitution as a legitimate and preferred method for candidate emergence. The party argued that the process was designed to promote unity, reduce intra-party friction, and save resources that would otherwise be spent on expensive primary elections.

Consensus, in political terms, refers to a decision-making process where party leaders and stakeholders agree on a candidate without a formal vote. In Nigeria, this method is often used to avoid the rancor and division that can accompany competitive primaries. However, critics argue that it can also be used to sideline popular candidates or impose anointed figures on the party rank and file.

Key Features of the Consensus Process in Gombe APC

• Extensive Consultations: The party claims the process involved the Party Elders Committee, State Working Committee, State Executive Committee, and all aspirants.
• Voluntary Participation: According to the APC, every aspirant was duly informed and invited to participate in the consensus-building process.
• Non-Binding Outcome: The party stressed that consensus is only the first option and not a binding final decision. Aspirants who reject the arrangement are free to test their popularity through direct primary elections.

The Growing Discontent: Who Is Rejecting the Consensus?

The clarification from the APC comes amid growing discontent among some aspirants over the recently announced consensus candidates. According to reports, key figures such as former Communication Minister Professor Isa Ali Pantami, immediate former Transportation Minister Saidu Ahmed Alkali, and Senator Danjuma Goje—an aspirant for the Gombe Central senatorial zone—have rejected the consensus, which did not favor them.

This rejection is not surprising. In Nigerian politics, consensus arrangements are often viewed with suspicion, especially when they exclude high-profile or well-funded aspirants. The fact that these individuals have publicly opposed the outcome suggests that the party may face significant internal challenges in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.

Why Aspirants Reject Consensus

• Perceived Lack of Transparency: Some aspirants feel that the process was manipulated to favor certain individuals.
• Loss of Political Capital: Aspirants who have invested time, money, and effort into building a campaign base may feel cheated if they are not given a chance to compete.
• Constitutional Rights: The Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act guarantee the right of every political party member to contest for any elective position, subject to party guidelines.

The Party’s Response: A Balancing Act

The APC in Gombe State has responded to the criticism by reiterating that consensus is not a fait accompli. In a strongly worded statement, Kyari said: “It is surprising and disingenuous that individuals who voluntarily absented themselves from the process would now seek to question an outcome they refused to help shape.”

The party further clarified: “Neither the Electoral Act nor the APC Constitution imposes consensus as a fait accompli. Where any aspirant disagrees with the consensus arrangement, the party has no alternative but to proceed with the direct primary option.”

This statement is significant because it acknowledges the legal and constitutional framework that governs candidate selection in Nigeria. Under Section 84 of the Electoral Act 2022, political parties are required to adopt democratic processes for the emergence of candidates, including direct, indirect, or consensus primaries. However, the Act also stipulates that consensus must be unanimous and documented in writing.

Practical Implications for Aspirants and the Party

For aspirants who reject the consensus, the path forward is clear: they can demand a direct primary election. However, this is easier said than done. Direct primaries are expensive, logistically challenging, and can expose deep divisions within the party. Moreover, the party leadership may use its influence to ensure that the consensus candidate still wins the primary.

For the party, the challenge is to manage these internal disagreements without alienating key supporters or damaging its electoral prospects. The APC in Gombe State is the ruling party, and any internal crisis could weaken its position ahead of the 2027 elections.

Example: How Other States Have Handled Similar Situations

In 2022, the APC in several states faced similar challenges during the party’s primaries. In some cases, consensus arrangements collapsed, leading to direct primaries that were marred by allegations of vote-buying and violence. In other cases, the party was able to broker last-minute agreements that preserved unity.

For instance, in Kano State, the APC successfully used a consensus model to select its governorship candidate, but only after extensive negotiations and the inclusion of all major aspirants in the decision-making process. This contrasts with the situation in Gombe, where key aspirants have been left out.

The Broader Context: Nigeria’s Electoral Cycle and Party Politics

The developments in Gombe State underscore the broader challenges facing Nigeria’s political parties as they prepare for the 2027 electoral cycle. With the 2023 elections still fresh in memory, parties are keen to avoid the internal crises that often lead to defections and loss of voter confidence.

Consensus building, when done transparently and inclusively, can be a powerful tool for party cohesion. However, when it is perceived as a top-down imposition, it can backfire and lead to the very divisions it seeks to prevent.

Key Takeaways for Political Stakeholders

• Transparency is Crucial: Party leaders must ensure that the consensus process is open, inclusive, and well-documented.
• Legal Compliance: Any consensus arrangement must comply with the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution.
• Conflict Resolution: Parties should have mechanisms in place to address grievances and prevent disputes from escalating.

Conclusion: What Lies Ahead for Gombe APC?

The APC in Gombe State has taken a pragmatic approach by keeping the door open for direct primaries. This not only aligns with legal requirements but also gives disgruntled aspirants a legitimate outlet for their ambitions. However, the party must now work to ensure that the primary process, whether consensus or direct, is conducted fairly and transparently.

As the 2027 elections approach, all eyes will be on Gombe State to see how the APC manages this internal challenge. If the party can successfully navigate these tensions, it will emerge stronger and more united. If not, it risks losing not only the election but also the trust of its members and the electorate.

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