The former governor of Ekiti state, Kayode Fayemi, has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) is drifting away from the vision and ideals of its founding members.
Speaking in an interview on ‘State Affairs with Edmund Obilo’, the former minister of solid minerals development said the ruling party is suffering from a decline in intellectual engagement and meaningful debate.
He also criticised the party’s increasing reliance on consensus as its preferred method in primary elections across states, describing it as contrary to democratic principles.
Fayemi, a founding member of the APC, said he had already expressed concerns about the party’s direction during its South-west conference recently held in Lagos.
“This is not where the party has come from. We have lost our bearing and the vision of the founding fathers of this party,” he said.
He noted that although President Bola Tinubu is among the founders of the APC, he appears weighed down by the demands of governance.
On whether Tinubu’s approach amounts to imposition of candidates, Fayemi said he does not interpret it that way.
“Maybe they just agree with him,” he added.
He warned that the current trend, where party members seek approval and endorsement from Aso Rock, could destabilise the APC.
“It would be unfortunate if everybody is running to Aso Rock because they want something,” he said.
“Those who don’t get consensus won’t be happy… and you’re waiting for an implosion.”