Etiebet, a veteran politician, and former Minister for Petroleum Resources said the decision to embrace consensus was not arbitrary but grounded in provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, which recognises it as a legitimate option for candidate selection.
According to him, the APC carefully evaluated both consensus and competitive primaries before adopting what he considers a more stabilising mechanism for the party.
Speaking to journalists following the National Convention of the APC, the party stalwart addressed concerns about its impact on internal democracy, he also acknowledged that the approach may not satisfy all party members but argued that democracy ultimately reflects majority preference.
In his remarks, “It may not be palatable to all, but that’s politics and democracy is 51 percent,” he said, underscoring the party’s position that consensus remains consistent with democratic principles when broadly accepted.
The elderstatesman further noted that the model significantly reduces internal friction, particularly at grassroots and state levels, where contests for party tickets often trigger disputes. By limiting such confrontations, Atuekong Etiebet said the APC is better positioned to maintain unity and avoid the kind of rancour that could undermine its electoral chances in 2027.
Beyond unity, he equally highlighted the financial implications of the approach, stating that consensus helps to cut the high costs associated with organising large-scale primaries. This, he explained, allows the party to channel resources more effectively towards campaign activities and voter mobilisation in the lead-up to the elections.
While critics argue that consensus could stifle competition and sideline dissenting voices, Don Etiebet stressed that the APC had weighed these risks against the benefits. He insisted that no political system is without drawbacks, but emphasised that the overriding objective remains preserving the party’s stability and electoral strength.
Moreover, reflecting on his political history, Chief Etiebet, CON, added that he had long advocated Zoning and Consensus arrangements within party structures when his former party, the NCPN, first used the model in its primaries at its National Convention in Port Harcourt in 1997 and in PDP’s governorship primary in 1998 to select Arc. Victor Attah, who went on to win the governorship election in Akwa Ibom State convincingly, noting that such approaches, when properly managed, can foster inclusiveness while minimising conflict.