A former senator, Ayodele Arise, has issued a strong caution to stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, warning that any attempt to impose candidates ahead of the forthcoming general elections could trigger internal unrest and undermine the party’s chances at the polls.
Arise, who previously represented Ekiti North in the National Assembly and is now vying once again for the senatorial ticket, made his position clear while addressing journalists over the weekend. He stressed that the integrity of the party’s internal democratic process must be preserved if it hopes to maintain credibility among its members and the electorate.
According to him, the practice of handpicking candidates without due consultation or a transparent primary process risks alienating loyal party members and grassroots supporters. He noted that such actions could lead to dissatisfaction, defections, or even protest votes during the elections—outcomes that could prove costly for the APC in a politically competitive environment.
Arise emphasised that Ekiti North, like other politically sensitive regions, requires unity and collective decision-making. He urged party leaders to prioritise fairness, inclusiveness, and adherence to democratic principles when selecting candidates. In his view, allowing party members to freely choose their representatives through credible primaries would not only strengthen internal cohesion but also enhance the legitimacy of those who eventually emerge as flagbearers.
The former lawmaker further appealed to national and state-level leaders of the APC to act as impartial arbiters rather than power brokers. He warned that perceived bias or undue influence in the selection process could damage the party’s reputation and weaken its electoral prospects.
Arise also used the opportunity to reaffirm his own ambition, expressing confidence in his track record and his connection with constituents across Ekiti North. He maintained that his political experience and understanding of the district’s needs position him as a strong contender, should a free and fair contest be conducted.
As political activities gradually intensify ahead of the general elections, his remarks add to growing concerns within party ranks about internal democracy and candidate selection processes. Observers believe that how the APC manages these internal dynamics in Ekiti State could significantly influence its performance—not only in the senatorial race but across other key contests in the region.
With tensions simmering beneath the surface, all eyes are now on the party’s leadership to see whether it will heed Arise’s warning or risk deepening divisions at a critical moment in the electoral cycle.
