Ekiti Assembly Race Sparks APC Rift as Hakeem Jamiu Rejects ‘Consensus’ Bid Backing Boluwatife Fayose!

Reported by Mustapha Omolabake Omowumi (Journalist) | Sele Media Africa

A fresh political contest is unfolding in Ekiti State as Hakeem Jamiu, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and sitting member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, has publicly rejected what he describes as a “purported” consensus endorsement of Boluwatife Fayose for the Irepodun/Ifelodun State Constituency II seat.

The development introduces a new layer of political tension in the southwestern state, widely regarded as a strategic battleground in Nigeria’s evolving subnational politics. At the centre of the dispute is the growing influence of political legacies and internal party democracy within the APC, as competing interests jostle for dominance ahead of future electoral cycles.

Dispute Over ‘Consensus’ Politics
Jamiu, who currently represents the constituency, distanced himself from claims that a unified agreement had been reached within party ranks to support Boluwatife Fayose as a consensus candidate. In a strongly worded response, the lawmaker maintained that no such decision reflects the collective will of party stakeholders in the constituency.

According to him, the narrative of consensus risks undermining democratic principles and due process within the party, particularly in a constituency where political participation and grassroots engagement have historically played a decisive role in electoral outcomes.

Political observers note that the rejection signals a broader resistance to what is often perceived as elite-driven candidate imposition a recurring issue in Nigerian party politics. Jamiu’s stance underscores an insistence on open competition, suggesting that any attempt to sidestep internal primaries could trigger further divisions within the APC at the local level.

The Fayose Factor in Ekiti Politics
The emergence of Boluwatife Fayose in the political conversation has drawn significant attention, largely due to his lineage as the son of Ayodele Fayose, a prominent figure in Ekiti’s political landscape and a former governor under the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

While Boluwatife Fayose’s potential candidacy is yet to be formally confirmed through party processes, his perceived endorsement by some APC stakeholders has fueled speculation about shifting alliances and the possible recalibration of political loyalties across party lines.

Analysts suggest that his entry into the race if formally declared could reshape the dynamics of the contest, particularly in a constituency where voter sentiment often reflects broader state-level political currents. However, Jamiu’s resistance signals that such a transition may not be seamless.

Implications for Party Cohesion
The disagreement highlights ongoing challenges within Nigerian political parties, where consensus arrangements are sometimes used to manage internal competition but can also provoke backlash when perceived as exclusionary.

For the APC in Ekiti, maintaining cohesion will be critical as it seeks to consolidate its position in the state while navigating internal dissent. The situation also reflects a wider national pattern in which party unity is frequently tested by competing ambitions and questions over transparency in candidate selection.

Local political stakeholders have called for dialogue and adherence to established democratic procedures to prevent the dispute from escalating into a deeper intra-party crisis. The outcome of this disagreement could influence not only the immediate constituency race but also the broader political climate in Ekiti State.

A Test of Grassroots Democracy
Ultimately, the unfolding situation in Irepodun/Ifelodun State Constituency II represents a critical test of grassroots democracy within the APC. As political actors position themselves for influence, the emphasis on fair competition, inclusivity, and respect for party structures remains central to sustaining public trust.

With no official resolution yet announced, all eyes remain on party leadership and local stakeholders to determine the path forward. Whether through consensus, primaries, or negotiated compromise, the process adopted will likely set a precedent for future political engagements in the state.

Sources
The Punch
Premium Times
Vanguard News
TheCable

Mustapha Labake Omowumi

Mustapha Labake Omowumi is a journalist from Ibadan, Oyo State, and a graduate of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics and Mathematics. He demonstrates a strong commitment to professional journalism, with a keen interest in writing and storytelling, guided by principles of self-discipline, accuracy, and trustworthiness.

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