Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and aspirant for the Ekiti North Senatorial District ticket, Senator Ayodele Arise, has described the recently conducted senatorial primary of the ruling party in Ekiti State as a sham, alleging that the process undermined democratic principles and internal party democracy.
Arise, who spoke with journalists on Sunday in Abuja, urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the party to intervene in what he described as glaring irregularities that characterised the exercise.
The APC primary election committee had declared the incumbent senator representing Ekiti North Senatorial District, Senator Cyril Fasuyi, winner of the primary.
However, Arise and other aspirants, including Hon. Dipo Bamisaye and Dare Owolabi, rejected the outcome, describing it as manipulated and fraudulent.
The former senator, who represented the district between 2007 and 2011, said the conduct of the primary reflected the persistent challenge of internal democracy within political parties.
“When we talk about internal democracy, it remains a major challenge. It is one thing to have a constitution and another for people to circumvent the provisions and guidelines governing elections. That was demonstrated during the primary election,” he said.
Arise stated that he participated in the contest despite anticipating irregularities in order to expose what he described as entrenched anomalies within the party’s electoral process.
“It would be a shame if some of us passed through this country and failed to speak out against these anomalies. If we want to practise democracy, then we should practise it genuinely,” he added.
He expressed confidence in the appeal panel constituted by the APC National Working Committee, saying he had submitted evidence in support of his petition and remained hopeful that justice would prevail.
“I have placed the facts before those reviewing the election, and I believe there are still people of good conscience who know what is right,” he said.
The APC stalwart called for reforms to strengthen internal democracy and prevent political office holders from imposing candidates on party members.
According to him, democratic processes should determine who emerges as candidates rather than the preferences of individuals occupying positions of power.
“We want to see those whom the people genuinely want to represent them. Democracy should not be reduced to a situation where one person becomes an appointing authority,” Arise said.
While acknowledging improvements in Nigeria’s electoral system over the years, he maintained that political parties must continue improving their internal processes to enhance credibility and public confidence.
He attributed the recurring disputes arising from party primaries to the excessive influence wielded by sitting governors.
“The issue of governors remains a major challenge. Even when you are not contesting directly against them, if you are not their preferred candidate, your chances become very slim,” he said.
Arise argued that the concentration of political and financial power in the hands of governors often gives them undue influence over party structures and candidate selection processes.
He also criticised what he described as the emergence of a political culture known as “the system,” where candidates are allegedly selected by influential interests rather than through democratic competition.
“There is something they now call ‘the system’. They say the system has captured a particular candidate and that he is the one who will get the ticket.
These are issues we need to address if we are serious about democracy,” he stated.
The former lawmaker further alleged that the Senate was increasingly being viewed as a retirement destination for governors seeking to remain politically relevant after leaving office.
Commenting on President Tinubu’s Democracy Day broadcast, Arise described the address as encouraging and realistic, saying it reflected both the achievements of the administration and the challenges facing the country.
According to him, the President has demonstrated commitment to addressing governance challenges and strengthening democratic institutions.
“Mr President has been proactive in addressing some of these challenges and ensuring that necessary corrections are made. In terms of laying the foundation for enduring democracy, he is doing well by showcasing achievements and articulating plans for national development,” he said.
Arise, however, stressed that more work must be done to deepen internal democracy within political parties, insisting that transparent and credible primaries remain essential to the growth of Nigeria’s democratic system.