Youths of the All Progressives Congress in Ado Local Government Area of Ekiti State have protested against an alleged plan to impose a consensus candidate for the Ado/Irepodun–Ifelodun Federal Constituency.
The protesters, drawn from 13 wards, took to the streets on Saturday with placards rejecting consensus arrangements and demanding direct primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
They called on Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the APC State Chairman, Sola Elesin, to ensure a transparent process that allows aspirants to contest freely.
Placards displayed during the protest carried messages such as “No to imposition,” “Let party members decide,” and “Ado deserves better representation.”
The protest comes amid growing internal disagreements within the APC in Ekiti over moves to adopt consensus arrangements for National Assembly tickets.
Former Governor Kayode Fayemi had earlier warned against candidate imposition, urging adherence to party rules and the Electoral Act where consensus is not achieved.
Demand for direct primaries
Speaking on behalf of the group, Convener of Ado Concerned Youths, Tajudeen Adeleye, said the protest was aimed at safeguarding internal democracy within the party.
“Ado is not a people without a voice. We are not a people without a choice. No one should impose a candidate on us,” he said.
Mr Adeleye insisted that only direct primaries would produce a credible candidate and reflect the will of party members.
Call for fairness
While expressing support for Governor Oyebanji’s re-election, the group urged him to ensure fairness in the selection process for the federal constituency seat.
They also called on Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, to remain neutral amid allegations of attempts to influence the emergence of a preferred candidate.
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