Cletus Obun: Imposition Will Cost APC Votes

Cletus Obun warns that forcing candidates on party members could trigger electoral losses and internal crisis within the APC.

A former member of the APC Presidential Campaign Council for Media, Cletus Obun, has cautioned that imposing candidates in party primaries could lead to serious electoral setbacks for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking during an interview on ARISE News on Tuesday, Obun said internal disputes over primary election methods direct, indirect, or consensus must be carefully managed to avoid deep divisions within the party.

“If you impose candidates, you won’t impose the votes.”

He stressed that while disagreements are not new within the APC, the way they are handled will determine the party’s electoral success.

“Where there are brazen attempts to suppress… you are bound to have an implosion.”

Obun explained that allowing state stakeholders to decide their preferred mode of primaries remains the most effective approach, citing past experiences within the party.

“Each state, sitting with stakeholders, should agree on the mode they would prefer.”

He noted that direct primaries, in particular, could strengthen electoral outcomes by giving grassroots members a sense of ownership.

“The people who are going to vote for you in the primaries are the same people who will vote in the election.”

According to him, forcing a uniform system or overriding local agreements could create unnecessary friction and weaken party unity.

“Why do you change the winning formula?”

Obun also warned that unresolved tensions could lead to avoidable defeats, drawing parallels with past political setbacks.

“We are sitting on a time bomb.”

Beyond the issue of primaries, he highlighted growing concerns among legacy members who feel sidelined within the party.

“Most of the legacy members… feel that they have been excluded and marginalised.”

He urged party leadership to prioritise inclusion and recognition, noting that lack of acknowledgment often fuels internal rebellion.

“Nothing pushes a man into self-destruction more than the idea that he is not recognised.”

Obun further advised new entrants into the party to manage their ambitions and integrate properly rather than destabilise existing structures.

“Your ambition cannot be worth the destruction of the party.”

He concluded that consultation, compromise, and strong leadership are critical to resolving the crisis and maintaining party cohesion ahead of the elections.

“There must be concession, reconciliation, and understanding.”