Fresh cracks have emerged within the All Progressives Congress in Ekiti State as youths in Ado Local Government Area openly resisted plans to adopt a consensus candidate for the Ado/Irepodun–Ifelodun Federal Constituency.
The protest, held on Saturday in Ado-Ekiti, saw party youths drawn from 13 wards voicing strong opposition to what they described as an attempt to impose a candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Demonstrators insisted that the party must conduct direct primaries, stressing that any move to handpick a candidate would undermine internal democracy.
With placards in hand, the protesters sent clear messages such as “Reject imposition,” “Power to party members,” and “We demand credible representation.”
Addressing the gathering, the Convener of Ado Concerned Youths, Tajudeen Adeleye, said the action was necessary to protect the integrity of the party’s selection process.
He expressed dissatisfaction with the constituency’s representation over the past eight years, noting that it had failed to meet the expectations of the people.
“We cannot be silenced or sidelined. The choice of candidate must reflect the will of party members, not a select few,” Adeleye stated.
Despite their grievances, the youths declared support for Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s continuity in office, urging him to guarantee fairness in the process leading to the primaries.
They also appealed to influential figures within the party, particularly Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, to refrain from interfering in the emergence of any aspirant.
The development highlights growing unease within the Ekiti APC, as disagreements over consensus arrangements continue to fuel tensions ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
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