Video: Tensions Mount in Kwara APC Over Consensus Candidate Decision Ahead of Local Government Election

Tensions have escalated within the ranks of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State following the party's announcement to adopt a consensus candidate ahead of the upcoming local government election.

 

The decision, aimed at streamlining the party's approach using zoning parameters and other criteria, has sparked discontent among some party members.

 

Prince Sunday Fagbemi, the Chairman of the APC in Kwara State, confirmed the adoption of a consensus candidate strategy, setting the stage for the September 21 local government election, as announced by the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWIEC) in Ilorin.

 

However, discord surfaced prominently on Monday in Offa Local Government Area, where APC members staged a protest against what they perceived as undue imposition of candidates.

In a video shared by Justeventonline, protesters were seen brandishing placards expressing grievances over the candidate selection process.

"In Ojomu Central A, the person that we don't want is being chosen to be our representative for councilor. They said they will present three people but there is only one name written," one protester lamented.

 

Another protester voiced concerns over transparency in the selection process, stating, "Why would you do a consensus candidate and hide candidates' names? These are the things we fought against when we used the 'Otege' slogan to oust the previous government."

 

The demonstrators demanded greater autonomy in candidate selection, advocating for community involvement in the decision-making process. "There are 17 wards in the community. Let us choose our candidates ourselves," they asserted.

 

This development echoes earlier protests reported by this platform among members of Ubandawaki Ward in Ilorin West Local Government Area, where similar grievances were raised over alleged imposition of candidates ahead of the election.

 

Similarly, at K-Cool Hotel in Patigi, Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area, violence broke out where armed individuals reportedly disrupted proceedings, leading to injuries and fatalities, although specific details remain unconfirmed.