By Emmanuel Enebeli
ABUJA/Nigeria: The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly defended its consensus arrangement ahead of its National Convention, maintaining that the process is rooted in broad consultations and democratic principles, even as it confirmed the dismissal of Rivers State chieftain, Mr. Fubara Dagogo, for alleged anti-party activities.
National Publicity Secretary of the party, Felix Morka, made the position known during an interview on Arise Morning Show on Friday, where he also assured Nigerians of adequate security and fairness in the conduct of the convention scheduled to hold at Eagle Square, Abuja.
The high-stakes gathering is expected to attract over 8,000 delegates from across the country, with security agencies already mobilised to ensure a peaceful exercise.
Morka dismissed concerns over the use of Eagle Square by the ruling party, stating that the venue remains accessible to all political parties, provided due process is followed.
“There is nothing preventing other political parties from applying to use the same venue. Security agencies are duty-bound to provide protection for all lawful political activities, not just for the APC,” he said.
On internal party discipline, the APC spokesman confirmed that Mr. Fubara Dagogo had been expelled by his ward in Rivers State following his decision to seek judicial intervention without first exhausting the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms.
“Our constitution is clear on this matter. Members are expected to exhaust internal remedies before approaching the courts. Failure to do so constitutes a breach that can attract sanctions, including expulsion,” Morka stated.
He used the opportunity to address criticisms surrounding the party’s adoption of consensus, which some observers have argued could undermine internal democracy.
Morka, however, insisted that consensus within the APC is not an imposition by a few leaders but the product of extensive engagements across multiple layers of the party structure.
“Consensus is not dictated from the top. It is built through consultations from the ward level to the national level. Delegates and stakeholders are fully involved in shaping these outcomes,” he explained.
He further argued that consensus helps to minimise conflict and strengthens party unity, contrasting it with indirect primaries, which he said have often been susceptible to manipulation.
“In delegate-based systems, a few individuals can be targeted and influenced, which may not reflect the true will of party members. Consensus, when properly implemented, reflects collective agreement and stability,” he added.
Morka also responded to concerns raised by aspirants who paid nomination fees but were unable to proceed under the consensus arrangement, noting that while such payments are generally non-refundable, the party has, in certain cases, reviewed requests for refunds.
“Ordinarily, nomination fees are not refundable. However, there have been instances where the party considered such requests on special grounds. Those affected can apply, and their cases may be reviewed,” he said.
He rejected claims that the convention would merely serve as a formality to endorse pre-determined outcomes, emphasizing that decisions within the party are shaped through grassroots participation and rigorous consultations.
“We must respect our members. Delegates are not just coming to rubber-stamp decisions. They are part of a process that begins from the grassroots and builds up to the national level,” he stressed.
As the APC prepares to unveil its new leadership, Morka expressed optimism that the convention would further consolidate the party’s internal cohesion and reinforce its democratic credentials.
With the spotlight now on Eagle Square, the ruling party enters its convention amid heightened expectations, with its consensus model and internal discipline shaping the political narrative ahead of the 2027 general elections.
