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According to a report by Punch on Friday, May 1, 2026, Derin Adesida has expressed confidence that the forthcoming primaries of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State will be conducted without any form of candidate imposition.
The lawmaker, who represents Akure North/Akure South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, stated that the party’s internal processes are structured in a way that allows members to choose candidates fairly, whether through consensus arrangements or direct primaries.
Adesida spoke in Akure, the Ondo State capital, shortly after obtaining his expression of interest and nomination forms ahead of the APC primaries scheduled to take place later this month.
During his interaction with journalists, he explained that both methods of candidate selection recognised by the party are acceptable under Nigeria’s electoral system.
According to him, the important objective is to ensure that credible and popular candidates emerge to represent the party during the general elections.
The federal lawmaker noted that the current electoral framework already provides guidelines for the conduct of party primaries and candidate selection.
He explained that lawmakers, including himself, participated in the legislative process that produced the electoral law currently guiding political parties.
Because of that, he said party members and aspirants are expected to respect the system and operate within the legal structure approved for elections and internal party activities.
Adesida also defended the use of direct primaries, describing the process as one that encourages wider participation among party members.
According to him, direct primaries allow ordinary members of a political party to take part in deciding who should become the party’s candidate.
He stated that this method reduces the influence of a small group of individuals and gives more members the opportunity to participate in the democratic process.
While speaking on the issue, he compared Nigeria’s direct primary system with electoral practices in countries such as the United States, where party members participate actively in the selection of candidates during internal elections.
He explained that broader participation often gives aspirants a better understanding of their level of support among party members.
According to him, the process is closer to a general election because it involves direct voting by party members rather than relying only on a limited number of delegates.
The lawmaker suggested that the direct primary system may be more transparent than the older delegate arrangement previously used by many political parties.
He argued that allowing more members to vote reduces the possibility of manipulation and encourages fairness during the selection process.
He also noted that it helps strengthen confidence among party supporters because members feel more involved in the decision-making process.
Adesida maintained that whether the party eventually adopts consensus or direct primaries, the process should remain transparent and democratic.
He explained that consensus arrangements are also recognised under the law, provided that all aspirants agree willingly and that no individual is forced out of the contest unfairly.
According to him, the key issue is ensuring that party members and aspirants are treated fairly throughout the process.
He further expressed optimism that the APC in Ondo State would manage its primaries peacefully and successfully.
According to him, the party has enough experience in handling internal elections and resolving disagreements among members.
He added that party leaders and stakeholders are expected to work together to maintain unity and stability before and after the primaries.
Political activities have gradually intensified across Ondo State ahead of the party primaries, with aspirants seeking support from party members and stakeholders in different constituencies.
Discussions surrounding consensus arrangements, direct primaries, and candidate selection have become central issues within political parties as preparations continue for future elections.
Party leaders have repeatedly stressed the need for peaceful conduct during the exercise in order to avoid internal disputes.
The APC, like other political parties in Nigeria, is expected to conduct primaries in line with the Electoral Act and guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
These processes are important because they determine the candidates who will represent parties during elections at different levels.
Internal party democracy has remained a major topic in Nigerian politics, especially during periods leading up to elections when questions about fairness and transparency often emerge.
He said, “We made the law. So we have no choice. I’m part of the system that enacted the law that was signed by Mr President. Even in the United States and some other advanced countries, they do direct primaries. It’s like a general election. In the US, for example, everybody goes to the polls, especially party members. They call them delegates, and they vote for whoever will represent them. So I think it is better than the previous delegates system.”
