Candidate selection or civilian coup?, By Dakuku Peterside

Nigeria’s political class now touts “consensus candidacy” with renewed assurance. Party leaders, governors, and godfathers frame it as proof of democratic progress; a tool to avoid divisive primaries, mend party fractures, and foster unity before elections. Surface reasoning seems sensible; Nigeria’s primaries are costly, bitter, violent, and prone to delegate-buying. Yet, beneath harmonious language hides a troubling reality. Consensus often masquerades as consent; power is quietly imposed, rather than granted freely. Persuasion yields to pressure; agreement bows to obedience. Internal democracy is not refined; it is sidestepped.