Coalition cautions APC against imposition politics, undemocratic practices in Ekiti

The Coalition of Civil Society Groups (COCSG) has cautioned the All Progressives Congress (APC) against what it termed “imposition politics” and “undemocratic practices” in Ekiti State ahead of the 2026 governorship election, warning that the ruling party risks losing public confidence and undermining Nigeria’s democratic stability.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja the President of the Coalition, Comrade Oladimeji Olakunle Olatunji, said the group was “deeply concerned about the growing culture of political manipulation” in the APC’s internal processes, particularly the “controversial adoption” of Governor Biodun Oyebanji as the party’s consensus candidate.

Olatunji said: “We have observed with grave concern the unfolding political events in Ekiti State regarding the undemocratic process leading to the selection of Governor Oyebanji as the candidate of the party. If this goes unaddressed, it would spell doom for our democracy and threaten the peace, unity, and democratic advancement of our nation.”

The coalition condemned what it described as the “unjust disqualification of legitimate aspirants,” alleging that the party’s screening committee “deliberately created a crooked process” to favor the incumbent governor.

He questioned the party’s commitment to democratic values, asking: “Where then lies the democratic value of the ruling party in leading the nation to a safe ground of leadership where democracy and the rule of law take preeminence?”

According to the Coalition, the so-called “consensus” that produced Governor Oyebanji as the APC’s flag bearer “lacks transparency, credibility, and fairness.”

The group also faulted Oyebanji’s performance in office, saying his administration had failed to deliver on key areas such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and job creation.

The Coalition accused the APC leadership in Ekiti of “humiliating and discrediting” other aspirants by alleging that their nomination forms were endorsed by non-party members.

The COCSG urged President Tinubu and the APC National Working Committee (NWC) to immediately wade into the crisis, warning that “an imposition cannot be labeled consensus.”

He added: “We urge President Tinubu, as the father of the party and a foremost advocate of democracy, to urgently intervene.

“The NWC must review the kangaroo selection of Governor Oyebanji, reinstate all screened-out aspirants, and set up an independent reconciliation panel to restore confidence within the party.”

The Coalition also warned against the rise of a one-party culture in Nigeria, urging citizens, civil society, and traditional institutions to defend democratic values.

“If internal democracy dies at the party level, then national democracy is under direct attack.

“We condemn and reject the kangaroo adoption of Governor Oyebanji as APC’s consensus candidate. History will not forgive our silence when democracy is under threat,”the group warned.

Olatunji said, “Democracy must work for the people, not for the privileged few.”