Frontline aspirant for the House of Representatives Idemili North and South Federal Constituency on Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Chiogo Constance Ikokwu (Ugonecheora) has called on political parties to reconsider blanket adoption of consensus method in selecting candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.

She noted that while consensus remains a legitimate option, it should never become a blanket arrangement that automatically protects ineffective, underperforming incumbents, which shuts out fresh voices with ideas, capacity, and grassroots acceptance.

“Consensus, particularly in the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), should be based on performance, credibility, and the wishes of party members at the grassroots, not treated as a political entitlement. No elected office should become a personal inheritance. Where representatives have performed excellently and enjoy genuine support from the people, consensus may naturally emerge. But imposing it across board without evaluating performance and grassroots acceptance sends the wrong message, and discourages participation, and healthy competition within the party,” she said.

Ikokwu who comes from one of the most politically competitive constituencies in Anambra State, argued that poor performing incumbents that are imposed risk losing the general election for the party. She called on party leaders to protect fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity for all aspirants, especially young people, women, and first-time contestants seeking to contribute meaningfully to nation-building.

“I have been on the ground in my constituency and people from the grassroots in Idemili North and South feel they’re currently poorly represented. Political parties grow stronger when members feel heard and included. But when aspirations are silenced through imposition, the party risks implosion,” she said.

Consensus candidacy is proving to be a hotbed of crisis for political parties. While the electoral act approves of consensus, there are rules guiding the method.

The Electoral Act 2026, Section 87 states: (1) A political party that adopts a consensus candidate shall secure the written consent of all cleared aspirants for the position, indicating their voluntary withdrawal from the race and their endorsement of the consensus candidate. (2) Where a political party is unable to secure the written consent of all cleared aspirants for the purpose of a consensus candidate, it shall revert to the choice of direct primaries for the nomination of candidates for the elective positions.

“(3) A special convention or nomination congress shall be held to ratify the choice of consensus candidates at designated centers at the national, state, senatorial, federal and state constituencies.”