Fayemi: APC losing direction, consensus culture may trigger implosion

FORMER Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi, has expressed concern over what he described as the declining vision and ideological direction of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking during an interview on ‘State Affairs with Edmund Obilo,’ the former minister of solid minerals development said the ruling party is suffering from a lack of intellectual engagement and meaningful internal debate.

Fayemi criticised the growing preference for consensus arrangements during party primaries across several states, arguing that the approach contradicts democratic ideals and weakens internal party competition.

The APC chieftain, who is also one of the party’s founding members, recalled that he raised similar concerns while addressing participants at the party’s recent South-West conference in Lagos.

READ ALSO: Amaechi: Tinubu didn’t single-handedly make Buhari president — I fought the political battle

According to him, the APC has drifted away from the ideals and principles upon which it was founded.

“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.

While acknowledging that President Bola Tinubu remains one of the architects of the APC, Fayemi noted that the president may be overwhelmed by the demands of governance.

Asked whether Tinubu’s leadership style encourages the imposition of candidates, Fayemi dismissed the suggestion, saying those aligning with the president may simply share his views.

“Maybe they just agree with him,” he said. However, Fayemi warned that the increasing tendency of party members seeking endorsements and political favours from Aso Rock poses a serious risk to the party’s stability.

“It would be unfortunate if everybody is running to Aso Rock because they want something,” he said.

He added that the consensus approach could breed resentment among party members excluded from such arrangements, warning that the APC may eventually face internal crisis if the trend continues.

“Those who don’t get consensus won’t be happy, and you’re waiting for an implosion,” he added.