Nigerian Electoral Law 2026: Consensus vs Direct Primaries: Laying the Ambiguity to Rest

*Core Argument*  

There is no such thing as an "automatic ticket" in our party or in law. The Electoral Act does not provide for it. Our party constitution and guidelines also do not allow it. *That’s the new electoral law, and all parties must obey it.* Every aspirant must go through primaries. 

The only two methods allowed are consensus and direct primaries. 

So, every party member faces the same process. You join the primaries. You win the primaries. Then you emerge as the candidate.

*How Performance Fits In*  

Performance means one thing: your community and your constituency accept that you have delivered. If the people believe you performed well and they want you back, why not? 

The people will judge. Party members will judge. Those who performed very well can be returned where possible. But even then, they must still go through primaries. No shortcuts.

*Why Direct Primaries Matter*  

Direct primaries take power away from Abuja. Nobody can sit in an office and impose a candidate. Every card-carrying member votes. 

This removes influence and godfatherism. With direct primaries, the queue is open to all. The people decide, not a few insiders.

*How Consensus Works*  

Consensus is not imposition. Consensus means _all_ aspirants agree on one person. Every aspirant who bought a form must sign that they accept the chosen candidate, otherwise no concesus and would have to conduct direct primaries.

We saw this in Osun State. Nine people contested for governor. Eight of them came together and signed that one person should be the consensus candidate. At that point, we changed the mode of our primaries from direct to consensus. We had to write formally to reflect their agreement. Without full agreement, there is no consensus.

*Two Methods, No Imposition*  

We have only two methods: direct primaries and consensus. We cannot force one method on any state. Stakeholders in each state choose the method they prefer. 

If there is full agreement, use consensus. If there is no agreement, go for direct primaries. That is the rule. And it is backed by the new electoral law that all parties must follow.

*The Law Is Clear*  

Our party constitution is sacrosanct. The Electoral Act is sacrosanct. The Nigerian Constitution is sacrosanct. None of them allows us to impose candidates or grant automatic tickets - bye-bye forever to godfather impositions.

So the idea that we can "dash" someone a ticket is wishful thinking. People do appeal to us as a party. But our reply is simple: there is no provision for automatic tickets anywhere. No party leaders or chairmen can guarantee a ticket to anybody.

*Recommendations*

1. *Educate members*: State chapters should explain the two methods clearly. Many conflicts come from misunderstanding.

2. *Document consensus properly*: Any consensus must have signed consent from _all_ aspirants. No signature, no consensus.

3. *Strengthen direct primaries*: Use technology and transparent voter registers to make direct primaries faster and more credible.

4. *Stick to the law*: Party officials must resist pressure to bend rules. The constitution and Electoral Act must guide every decision. And any party that refuses to play according to the law, INEC would derecognized and risk losing to opposition in courts.

5. *Focus on performance*: Let results speak. If a lawmaker or governor performs, the people will reward them at the primaries. No need for backdoor tickets.

*Conclusion*  

There are no automatic tickets. The road to a ticket runs through primaries — either direct or consensus — as required by the new electoral law that binds all parties.

Direct primaries give power to the people and kill imposition. Consensus works only when every aspirant agrees. Both methods respect our constitution, our party rules, and the Electoral Act. 

So let us lay the ambiguity to rest: nobody is above the process. Win the people, win the primaries, and you win the ticket.