The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has defended the adoption of a consensus-driven approach for party leadership selection, insisting that the process remains firmly rooted in democratic principles and transparency.
Speaking at the party’s national convention, Kalu emphasized that political parties are guided by established rules that define how primaries and leadership elections should be conducted, noting that such processes must be open, participatory, and credible.
He explained that while multiple methods exist for selecting party executives, including direct elections, the party opted for a harmonized consensus model to promote unity, reduce costs, and minimize internal conflicts.
According to him, the consensus arrangement adopted for the convention emerged from extensive consultations and stakeholder engagements across different levels, ensuring that the decisions reflect the collective will of party members rather than imposition.
Kalu further highlighted that all positions within the National Working Committee were equitably zoned across Nigeria’s geopolitical regions, with additional micro-zoning to states, a move he said reinforces fairness, inclusivity, and national cohesion.
He disclosed that the consensus-building process resulted in the emergence of unopposed candidates for all positions, effectively eliminating the need for competitive voting, as members are expected to affirm the agreed candidates during the convention.
Despite concerns that consensus arrangements could sideline dissenting voices, Kalu maintained that the party has institutional mechanisms to address grievances, including reconciliation committees designed to resolve disputes arising from congresses or the convention.
He expressed confidence that the convention would conclude without major disputes, describing the exercise as a demonstration of internal democracy and party unity, while assuring members that any emerging concerns would be promptly addressed through established channels.
