A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Ayodele Arise, has voiced strong opposition to the adoption of a consensus candidate for the Ekiti North Senatorial District, insisting that it is his turn to represent the constituency in the Senate after 15 years.

Arise, a former senator, raised concerns over what he described as alleged moves by some party stakeholders to impose a consensus candidate on the district ahead of upcoming party primaries.

Speaking on recent political developments, he acknowledged that the Electoral Act provides for multiple modes of candidate selection, including direct primaries and consensus. However, he questioned the fairness and transparency of the consensus option if not properly managed.

The APC chieftain maintained that while consensus is legally recognised, it should not be used as a tool to sideline aspirants or undermine internal democracy within the party. He stressed that any agreement on a consensus candidate must reflect the genuine will of all stakeholders and aspirants involved.