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By Oluseye Ojo
Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli and House of Representatives member, Aderemi Abass Oseni, have defended the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus candidature model, insisting it does not undermine internal democracy within the party.
The lawmakers spoke at the weekend during the Ijebu-Jesa Social Club Branch Day and Award Ceremony, in Ibadan, Oyo State. They maintained that the consensus approach remains consistent with democratic principles and party guidelines.
The event, chaired by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, represented by the Aare Alasa Olubadan, Chief Odunade Ademola, featured the Global President of the club, Chief Rotimi Obeisun, as chief host.
The media have reported that the leadership of APC has endorsed the deputy governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, as a consensus gubernatorial candidate; Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, fondly called Yayi, as consensus governorship candidate in Ogun and Chairman, Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, as a consensus governorship candidate in Oyo State.
Alli, who represents Oyo South, said the model allows flexibility and does not foreclose competitive primaries.
“The opportunity to obtain forms is free so that it will be democratic. But, that does not stop the leadership of the party in every state from adopting a consensus candidate,” he said.
He added that aspirants dissatisfied with consensus arrangements are free to contest primaries, noting, “If some people decide they want to go for primaries and do not accept the consensus, so be it. We will all go there and come up with a winner.
“This shows the consensus model does not impede internal democracy; it is meant to maintain decorum.”
Alli, who also dismissed insinuations that the absence of the APC state chairman, Chief Moses Adeyemo, at his endorsement event, on Friday in Ibadan, signalled opposition, explained that certain party leaders must remain neutral.
“The party chairman will not be at a place where an aspirant is being endorsed because others may also be interested. He is a father to all and must not appear biased,” he said.
Oseni, who represents Ido/Ibarapa East Federal Constituency and is aspiring to the Oyo South senatorial seat, said the APC remains committed to internal democracy, orderliness and reward for loyalty and contribution.
“It is a party where people are rewarded based on their input. You don’t just wake up overnight to claim what is not yours without making sufficient effort,” he said.
He noted that consensus arrangements are guided by constitutional provisions and party structure, stressing that leadership plays a critical role in decision-making.
Speaking on his ambition, he said his motivation remains service-driven.
“My desire to serve has always been my motivation. Whether as councillor, legislator or beyond, my focus remains service from the heart,” he added.
