Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, has rejected the consensus arrangement adopted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State, describing the process as lacking inclusivity and falling short of democratic standards.
Pantami, in a strongly worded statement, argued that the consensus approach as implemented by party stakeholders in the state is inconsistent with the provisions of the Electoral Act. He maintained that the process excluded key participants and failed to reflect the collective will of party members, thereby undermining internal democracy.
The former minister emphasized that while consensus candidacy is recognized under Nigerian law, it must be conducted transparently and with the voluntary agreement of all aspirants involved. According to him, any arrangement that sidelines contestants or imposes candidates without broad-based acceptance risks being declared invalid.
“I cannot in good conscience support a process that does not carry everyone along,” Pantami stated, urging party leaders to reconsider the decision and adopt direct primaries as stipulated by law. He noted that direct primaries would provide a more credible and participatory platform for party members to choose their candidates.
The controversy comes amid growing debates within political parties across Nigeria over the most appropriate method for selecting candidates ahead of elections. While consensus arrangements are often favored for promoting unity and reducing intra-party conflict, critics argue that they are frequently manipulated by powerful interests to impose preferred candidates.
Pantami’s position highlights ongoing tensions within the APC in Gombe State, where some members have reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome of the consensus process. His call for direct primaries aligns with a broader push among party stakeholders nationwide for more transparent and democratic procedures.
Political observers note that disputes over candidate selection processes have historically contributed to internal divisions within parties, sometimes leading to defections or parallel primaries. In this context, Pantami’s rejection of the consensus deal could have wider implications for party cohesion in the state.
As of the time of filing this report, officials of the APC in Gombe State have not issued a formal response to Pantami’s claims. However, the development is expected to trigger further consultations within the party as leaders seek to manage dissent and maintain unity ahead of upcoming political activities.
The unfolding situation underscores the delicate balance political parties must strike between consensus-building and adherence to democratic principles. For many observers, the outcome of this dispute will serve as a test of the APC’s commitment to internal democracy and the rule of law.
