A fresh wave of political tension has erupted within the party structure in Odeda Local Government Area as a faction of Apex Leaders has openly rejected the alleged unanimous adoption of a consensus candidate ahead of the party’s forthcoming local government chairmanship process.
The leaders described the purported consensus arrangement as unconstitutional, misleading and a direct violation of the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, insisting that only a transparent and duly conducted primary election can produce a legitimate candidate for the party.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, the faction maintained that no individual, caucus or interest group possesses the authority to impose a candidate on party members outside democratic procedures recognized by law.
The group specifically reaffirmed support for aspirant Elemide, whom they described as a formidable contender with wide grassroots acceptance, extensive political reach and loyal supporters across the wards in Odeda Local Government.
According to the statement, the claim that a consensus candidate had emerged was both premature and deceptive, stressing that several aspirants, including Elemide, had neither withdrawn from the race nor endorsed any candidate as required under the law.
Citing Sections 84(9) and 84(10) of the Electoral Act 2022, the leaders argued that a consensus arrangement can only stand when all cleared aspirants voluntarily agree to step down and submit written consent endorsing a single candidate.
They emphasized that where unanimous agreement is absent, the law mandates the conduct of either direct or indirect primary elections to determine the party’s standard bearer.
“The alleged adoption cannot stand because it clearly violates the Electoral Act and undermines internal democracy. No one can force a candidate on party members against their collective will,” the statement noted.
The faction further warned that any attempt to impose what it termed a “fake consensus arrangement” could trigger legal action and deepen divisions within the party at the grassroots level.
They insisted that party members must be given the opportunity to freely choose their preferred candidate through a credible and transparent primary process.
“The era of political imposition is over. The Electoral Act is clear, and the people must be allowed to decide through a credible primary process,” the leaders declared.
Political observers in the local government believe the disagreement may intensify in the coming days as different blocs continue consultations ahead of the party’s official nomination process.
Despite the growing tension, the faction expressed confidence that the popular will of party members would ultimately prevail if a free and fair primary election is conducted.
The development is expected to test the unity of the party in Odeda, especially as stakeholders work to prevent internal disputes from affecting its electoral chances in the forthcoming local government elections.
