Politics
2027: The Dynamics of Consensus Candidates and the Crisis of Succession in Nigeria’s Democratic Party Politics
2027: The Dynamics of Consensus Candidates and the Crisis of Succession in Nigeria’s Democratic Party Politics
By: Dr. James Bwala
In contemporary Nigerian democracy,
The issue of successorship appointment within party ranks in contemporary Nigerian democracy has generated considerable debate among political stakeholders and members alike. Central to this discourse is the widespread practice of imposing consensus candidates—a phenomenon that ostensibly aims to project unity and avoid intra-party conflicts but, paradoxically, erodes the democratic foundation of political parties. Indeed, the consensus candidate approach, rather than fostering internal party democracy, serves as a malignant force undermining transparent political processes, suppressing genuine competition, and jeopardizing the future of Nigeria’s democratic governance. To preserve and deepen democracy in Nigeria, political parties must reject consensus impositions and recommit to authentic primaries that allow merit and popular choice to prevail.
At the heart of a healthy democratic system lies the principle of open and competitive elections, extending into the primaries that select party candidates. Primaries provide an institutionalized mechanism for party members to exercise their political rights by choosing leaders who best represent their values and aspirations. The competitive nature of primaries encourages accountability, policy debate, and grassroots mobilization—all indispensable elements in a vibrant democracy. However, in Nigeria, this crucial democratic practice is frequently circumvented through consensus candidacies, where powerful figures—often incumbent governors or party elites—dictate the choice of successors without proper consultation or vote by party members.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/shettimas-relentless-engagement-should-remind-nigerians-that-their-government-is-not-an-opaque-monolith-but-a-responsive-entity-committed-to-their-welfare/
This practice of imposing consensus candidates is deeply flawed for several reasons. Firstly, it fundamentally undermines intra-party democracy. When a candidate is chosen through a top-down arrangement rather than a transparent contest, members feel disenfranchised and disillusioned. The sense of ownership and participation that fuels political engagement dissipates, leading to decreased activism and voter apathy. Secondly, consensus candidates often emerge not on the basis of merit or popular appeal but due to patronage networks, financial inducements, and political bargaining aimed at preserving the status quo. This environment breeds mediocrity and stifles innovation within party structures, as leadership positions become rewards for loyalty rather than platforms for effective governance.
The entrenchment of consensus candidacies has pernicious effects beyond party dynamics. It aggravates corruption and rent-seeking behavior by creating a protected class of politicians who owe their allegiance primarily to power brokers rather than constituents. The “cancer” analogy aptly captures this phenomenon: consensus candidacies are symptomatic of deeper systemic malaise where democratic norms rot under the influence of greed and manipulation. Governors and influential party leaders who push through consensus arrangements often do so to shield themselves from accountability, blocking probes and critical scrutiny. By controlling their succession, they ensure continuity in corrupt practices and minimize threats to their entrenched interests.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/shettimas-relentless-engagement-should-remind-nigerians-that-their-government-is-not-an-opaque-monolith-but-a-responsive-entity-committed-to-their-welfare/
It is crucial to recognize that while consensus candidacies may appear expedient in the short term by avoiding visible factional disputes, their long-term consequences are detrimental. The absence of genuine electoral competition breeds political instability, as aggrieved aspirants and marginalized factions may resort to extra-legal means to assert their claims, including defections, violent confrontations, or undermining party cohesion during general elections. Furthermore, the public’s perception of political parties as undemocratic and self-serving institutions diminishes trust in the electoral process and discourages citizen participation.
A healthy democracy demands that political parties reflect the will and choice of the people, beginning with their internal selection processes. Nigeria’s democracy cannot thrive if party leaderships continue to manipulate succession to serve narrow interests. Instead, parties should strive to institutionalize transparent, inclusive, and credible primaries where aspirants compete on a level playing field. This would entail establishing independent and impartial electoral committees within parties, enforcing strict adherence to democratic rules, and ensuring that party members have unfettered access to information and the opportunity to scrutinize candidates’ credentials.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/shettimas-relentless-engagement-should-remind-nigerians-that-their-government-is-not-an-opaque-monolith-but-a-responsive-entity-committed-to-their-welfare/
The role of external actors, such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society organizations, and the media, is equally vital. These stakeholders must intensify efforts to promote internal party democracy, monitor primary elections vigilantly, and expose irregularities when they occur. Legal frameworks governing party primaries should be strengthened to discourage autocratic tendencies and illicit practices, with clear sanctions for violations. Above all, political leaders must embrace the spirit of democracy by prioritizing national interest over personal or sectional gains.
The pervasive practice of appointing consensus candidates within political parties poses one of the most significant threats to the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria. While consensus might superficially symbolize harmony, it has largely become a covert mechanism that perpetuates exclusion, weakens democratic institutions, and entrenches corruption.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/shettimas-relentless-engagement-should-remind-nigerians-that-their-government-is-not-an-opaque-monolith-but-a-responsive-entity-committed-to-their-welfare/
To prevent Nigeria’s democracy from succumbing to this cancerous condition, political parties must return to the drawing board and recommit to genuine democratic processes grounded in free, fair, and competitive primaries. Only through such reforms can Nigeria build a resilient democracy where leadership succession reflects the collective will, nurtures accountability, and fosters good governance for the nation’s progress. Consensus candidates should never be the child of necessity.
* James Bwala, PhD, is a political commentator and writes from Abuja.
2027: The Dynamics of Consensus Candidates and the Crisis of Succession in Nigeria’s Democratic Party Politics