Arise Calls APC Primaries Unreliable, Demands Review of Ekiti North Process

By John Alechenu

ABUJA — Senator Ayodele Arise, a senior member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a candidate for the Ekiti North Senatorial District ticket, has criticised the party’s recent senatorial primary in the district, calling the exercise “not credible” and raising concerns about internal party democracy.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Sunday, Arise expressed dissatisfaction with the primary’s outcome, which was won by incumbent Senator Cyril Fasuyi, according to the supervising committee.

Arise, who represented Ekiti North in the Senate from 2007 to 2011, said the conduct of the primary highlighted ongoing challenges to internal democracy within political parties.

He noted that while parties may have constitutions and electoral guidelines, the real challenge lies in ensuring compliance with those rules during elections.

Despite concerns about the process, Arise said he participated in the primary to draw attention to irregularities and the need for reforms.

The former lawmaker expressed confidence that the appeal panel established by the APC National Working Committee would give fair consideration to his petition challenging the outcome.

“I have presented the facts before those reviewing the election and I believe the process will be thoroughly examined,” he said.

Arise called for stronger safeguards to ensure that party primaries reflect the wishes of party members and constituents, stressing the importance of transparent and democratic processes in candidate selection.

He also raised concerns about the influence of sitting governors in party primaries, arguing that aspirants who lack a governor’s backing often face significant challenges in securing party tickets.

According to Arise, reforms are needed to strengthen internal democracy and reduce the perception that political offices are determined by powerful interests rather than competitive electoral processes.

On national issues, Arise commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his Democracy Day address, describing the speech as encouraging and reflective of both the achievements and challenges confronting the country.

He said the President’s remarks acknowledged the realities facing Nigerians while outlining plans for national development and democratic consolidation.

Arise added that the administration’s efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and pursue development initiatives should be given time to yield results, noting that meaningful reforms often require patience and sustained implementation.

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