A brewing crisis has hit the All Progressives Congress in Ekiti State as youths in Ado Local Government Area on Saturday rose against an alleged move to impose a consensus candidate for the Ado/Irepodun–Ifelodun Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The aggrieved youths, drawn from the 13 wards in the council, staged a protest in Ado-Ekiti, openly rejecting what they described as a calculated attempt to sideline party members in the selection of a candidate.
Wielding placards with inscriptions such as “No to imposition,” “Let party members decide,” and “Ado deserves better representation,” the protesters demanded the adoption of direct primaries, insisting it remained the only credible means of producing a legitimate flag bearer.
Speaking during the demonstration, the Convener of Ado Concerned Youths, Tajudeen Adeleye, warned party leaders against actions capable of undermining internal democracy, stressing that members would resist any attempt to foist a candidate on them.
He faulted the performance of the constituency’s representation over the past eight years, describing it as underwhelming and lacking in tangible impact.
“Ado people cannot be silenced or denied their right to choose. Imposition is unacceptable, and only a transparent primary can produce a credible candidate,” Adeleye said.
The group appealed to Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the state APC Chairman, Sola Elesin, to ensure a level playing field for all aspirants, noting that fairness in the process would strengthen party unity ahead of the polls.
While reaffirming support for the governor’s second-term ambition, the youths urged him to uphold democratic principles in the emergence of the party’s candidate for the federal constituency.
They also called on the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, to maintain neutrality amid alleged moves to influence the process, cautioning against actions that could deepen divisions within the party.
The protest underscores rising disquiet within the Ekiti APC over reported plans to adopt consensus arrangements for National Assembly tickets, a move that has continued to generate controversy among party stakeholders.
Former Governor Kayode Fayemi had earlier warned against candidate imposition, urging the party to adhere strictly to its constitution and the provisions of the Electoral Act by conducting credible primaries where consensus proves unattainable.