The Perils of Imposition: Why Kogi East APC Must Choose Its Own Senatorial Candidate

The political landscape of Kogi East is a vibrant, complex, and often volatile ecosystem. As the 2027 general elections approach, the All Progressives Congress (APC) stands at a critical crossroads. For the APC to thrive in the Igala-dominated eastern flank, it must respect the democratic will of the grassroots. The National Working Committee (NWC) must refrain from candidate imposition and instead allow for a transparent, credible process.

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Here is an extensive look at why the national office must resist this temptation, anchored in the clear provisions of Nigerian law.

1. Preserving the Sanctity of Intra-Party Democracy

At its core, a political party is only as strong as its internal democratic processes. The APC Constitution and the Electoral Act emphasize popular participation. When members vote for their preferred aspirant, they gain a sense of ownership over the eventual candidate. Furthermore, recent judicial precedents in Nigeria have shown that the courts are increasingly intolerant of forced candidates who are announced without following proper legal guidelines. Imposition often leads to endless litigation that can disqualify the party from the ballot entirely.

2. The High Bar of Consensus and Direct Primaries

Since the legal framework now permits only consensus or direct primary modes, the national office has even less room to maneuver without local cooperation. Sections 84(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 explicitly states: “The procedure for the nomination of candidates by political parties for the various elective positions shall be by direct, indirect primaries or consensus.”

However, the consensus option is not a free pass for a backroom deal. It is a tightly regulated legal process designed to prevent the very imposition you warn against:

· The Legal Trap of Forced Consensus (Section 84(9)): The Act is explicit. Where a political party purports to adopt a consensus candidate, it must “secure the written consent of all cleared aspirants for the position, indicating their voluntary withdrawal from the race and their endorsement of the consensus candidate.” In a competitive zone like Kogi East, where multiple aspirants have legitimate claims, forcing a consensus without genuine, written agreement from every single aspirant is a legal landmine.

· The Mandatory Fallback (Section 84(10)): The Act foresees the difficulty of this process. It states that where a party “is unable to secure the written consent of all cleared aspirants for the purpose of a consensus candidate, it shall revert to the choice of direct or indirect primaries for the nomination of candidates.”

· The Ratification Requirement (Section 84(11)): Even if written consent is miraculously secured, the process is not complete. The Act mandates that “A special convention or nomination congress shall be held to ratify the choice of consensus candidates at designated centres.”

If any of these procedural steps are skipped, the nomination is void. The APC cannot afford such a risk.

3. Respecting the Unique Igala Political Consciousness and the Constitution

Kogi East is home to the Igala people, one of the most politically conscious ethnic groups in Nigeria. They have a long-standing tradition of rejecting external dictates. The people prioritize leaders who understand the local nuances of the nine local government areas. An imposed candidate, regardless of their credentials, will likely be viewed as a puppet, leading to a massive protest vote. This runs contrary to the spirit of Section 14(2)(c) of the 1999 Constitution, which provides that “the participation of the people in their government shall be ensured.”

4. Preventing Post-Primary Implosion and Defection

Imposition is the primary fuel for intra-party friction. In a high-stakes environment like Kogi East, the fallout from a non-transparent selection process is predictable and destructive. Disgruntled aspirants who feel cheated by the national office often take their structures to opposition parties. A candidate imposed by the center will spend more time fighting internal enemies than campaigning against the opposition.

5. Ensuring Win-ability

The ultimate goal of any political party is to win. The national office may favor a candidate based on loyalty or deep pockets, but those factors do not always translate to votes on the ground. A candidate who emerges through a free and fair primary has already passed a stress test. Kogi East is not a safe seat for the APC; the opposition is always lurking, ready to capitalize on APC’s internal errors. Running an unpopular, imposed candidate is essentially handing a gift to the opposition.

The Path Forward: A Call for Fairness

The APC national office should play the role of an impartial umpire, not a kingmaker. To secure Kogi East, the party leadership should:

1. Guarantee a Level Playing Field: Ensure all aspirants are screened fairly.
2. Strictly Adhere to the Electoral Act: Recognize that a consensus candidate is only possible if all cleared aspirants provide their written consent to withdraw and endorse that candidate—a near-impossibility in a competitive race. Otherwise, direct primaries must be held.
3. Respect Local Stakeholders: Recognize that those who build the party at the grassroots deserve a voice in who leads them.

Conclusion

Imposing a candidate in Kogi East is not just a political risk; it is a direct violation of the Electoral Act 2022. True power belongs to the people, and the law is on their side. Any attempt to hijack it from the center is a recipe for electoral disaster.

– Ibrahim Atuluku
For: Progressive Kogi East Elders, Women Organizations and Youth Groups

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