Former Ekiti State Governor and founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Kayode Fayemi, has raised concerns that the ruling party is gradually abandoning the core ideals and vision on which it was built.
He lamented what he described as a decline in internal democracy, intellectual engagement, and open debate within the party structure.
Speaking during an interview on State Affairs on Friday, Fayemi criticised the increasing reliance on consensus arrangements in party primaries across several states, warning that the practice undermines democratic competition and could fuel internal resentment.
“This is not where the party has come from. We have lost our bearing and the vision of the founding fathers of this party,” Fayemi said.
The former Minister of Solid Minerals Development said he had previously expressed similar concerns at the APC South-West conference in Lagos, noting that the culture of robust ideological discussion that once defined the party has significantly weakened.
While acknowledging that President Bola Tinubu remained one of the key founding figures of the APC, Fayemi suggested that the demands of governance may have reduced focus on internal party development.
On claimed that the leadership style of President Bola Tinubu encourages imposition of candidates, Fayemi rejected the allegation, arguing instead that it may reflect broad acceptance of the president’s choices.
“Maybe they just agree with him,” he said.
However, he warned that increasing dependence on presidential endorsements and political favour-seeking could create long-term risks for the party’s unity and stability ahead of future elections.
“It would be unfortunate if everybody is running to Aso Rock because they want something,” he said.
Fayemi further cautioned that the growing embrace of consensus politics could alienate party members who feel excluded from decision-making processes.
“Those who don’t get consensus won’t be happy… and you’re waiting for an implosion,” he warned.
