NPSA, CUPP Fault ‘Imposed Consensus’ In Party Candidate Selection

The Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA) and the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) have accused politicians of prioritising imposed decisions over genuine consensus in the selection of candidates.

The groups warned that the practice undermines democratic processes and political fairness in the country.

Speaking in an interview with Punch, the President of the NPSA, Prof. Hassan Saliu, said consensus remains acceptable when it is genuinely agreed upon by all parties involved.

He, however, expressed concern that what currently obtains in Nigeria is the imposition of candidates rather than true consensus.

Saliu said, “If truly they achieve consensus, I don’t see anything bad in it. But once there is dissent, even from one person, the wall of consensus breaks down. Consensus freely reached and agreed to is what I support, not one that is forced or imposed.

“If all of them agree beforehand to support a candidate, that is acceptable. If there is no dissent, fine. But if there is even one dissenting voice, then the wall of consensus breaks down.

“The challenge is how to achieve a consensus that everyone genuinely agrees to. So, what I see happening is imposition. Some leaders intimidate others to step down, withdraw, or even prevent their supporters from attending the congress or convention where candidates are to be elected. And this is not good for democracy.”

Consensus Should Remain Internal Party Matter – CUPP

Also speaking, the Publicity Secretary of the CUPP, Mark Adebayo, said political parties should be allowed to determine how they select their candidates.

“Consensus, for me, should be an internal party matter. If a political party chooses to adopt a consensus approach in selecting its candidate for an election, nobody should begrudge the party. It should be the decision of each party,” he said.

Adebayo noted that consensus could sometimes promote unity within parties if it truly reflects the choice of members.

“Consensus candidature can have both positive and negative outcomes. Sometimes it promotes peace within the party because, when genuinely achieved, it reflects the choice of a particular constituency, state, zone, or local government,” he said.

The CUPP spokesman, however, criticised the manner in which consensus is often applied in Nigeria.

“However, what is defined as consensus in Nigeria is often different. Frequently, someone at the top simply declares, handpicks, announces and even imposes a candidate for a position.

“This practice generates internal conflicts and bad blood within political parties,” he added.

He also argued that the Electoral Act should have allowed political parties to adopt direct, indirect, or consensus primaries rather than restricting their options.

Meanwhile, the Deputy National Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nze Chidi Duru, defended the idea of granting incumbents the right of first refusal when seeking re-election.

According to him, the arrangement aligns with constitutional provisions.

He said, “It is not for nothing that the Constitution provides the possibility for elected executive governors and the President of the country to run for a second term.

“I believe that party members will always understand that once it’s a constitutional provision, you cannot deny or exclude the possibility of a re-election.”