Former Ekiti State Governor and founding member of the All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress), Kayode Fayemi, has warned that Nigeria’s ruling party is drifting away from its founding democratic ideals, citing declining internal debate, reduced ideological engagement, and increasing reliance on consensus-driven candidate selection.
Fayemi, who also served as Minister of Solid Minerals Development, said the party’s current trajectory reflects a departure from the intellectual and participatory culture that shaped its formation.
Speaking during an interview on State Affairs, he said the APC “has lost its bearing and the vision of the founding fathers,” warning that the erosion of internal democracy could fuel long-term instability.
“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.
Concerns Over Consensus Politics
A key concern raised by Fayemi is the growing adoption of consensus arrangements in party primaries across several states, which he argued undermines competitive democratic processes.
He warned that while consensus can be a stabilising tool, its increasing dominance risks alienating party members who feel excluded from decision-making processes.
Fayemi noted that he had previously raised similar concerns at the APC South-West conference in Lagos, where he observed a decline in internal debate and ideological discourse within the party structure.
Tinubu’s Leadership and Party Dynamics
Commenting on President Bola Tinubu’s role in party affairs, Fayemi acknowledged him as a key founding figure of the APC but suggested that the demands of governance may have reduced focus on internal party development.
On claims that Tinubu’s leadership encourages imposition of candidates, Fayemi rejected the assertion, suggesting instead that widespread alignment with presidential preferences could be influencing outcomes.
“Maybe they just agree with him,” he said.
However, he cautioned that the growing tendency for aspirants and party stakeholders to seek political endorsement from the Presidency could create structural imbalances within the party.
“It would be unfortunate if everybody is running to Aso Rock because they want something,” Fayemi said.
Warning of Possible Party Crisis
Fayemi further warned that continued reliance on consensus-based politics could deepen internal tensions, particularly among aspirants who feel sidelined during nomination processes.
“Those who don’t get consensus won’t be happy… and you’re waiting for an implosion,” he warned.
Political analysts say the comments highlight ongoing debates within Nigeria’s ruling party over internal democracy, succession planning, and the balance between party unity and competitive primaries ahead of future elections.
The APC, which has governed Nigeria since 2015, continues to face scrutiny over internal cohesion as it manages competing regional interests and political ambitions within its ranks.
