The Organization for Harmony and Peace (OHP) has reiterated that consensus candidacy in Nigeria’s political system is not merely a political arrangement, but a process clearly guided by law, particularly the Electoral Act 2022.
This position was made known by the President-General of OHP, Ustaadh Tajudeen Jimoh Alao, and communicated to the public by the Director of Media, Ambassador Olaleye Rasheed.
It reads;
According to OHP, Section 84 of the Electoral Act provides that political parties may adopt consensus candidates only under clearly defined legal conditions. Where these conditions are not fulfilled, parties are mandated to revert to democratic selection processes through direct or indirect primaries, in line with guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
OHP emphasized that consensus candidacy, when properly applied, serves as a mechanism to promote unity, reduce internal conflicts, and strengthen party cohesion.
However, the organization cautioned that such processes must strictly adhere to principles of legality, transparency, and fairness to protect democratic integrity.
For the sake of clarity and information there are key Legal Requirements for Consensus Candidacy following statutory requirements such as :
Written Consent of All Cleared Aspirants:*
All duly cleared aspirants must voluntarily submit written consent indicating their withdrawal and endorsement of the consensus candidate. Failure to meet this requirement renders the process legally defective.
Voluntary and Non-Coerced Withdrawal:*
Aspirants’ withdrawal must be free from coercion, inducement, or intimidation. Any form of pressure undermines both legality and democratic values.
Ratification Through Party Convention or Congress:
Consensus decisions must be formally ratified at a recognized party convention or congress to ensure procedural legitimacy.
Mandatory Reversion to Primaries Where Consensus Fails:
In the absence of unanimous consent, political parties are legally required to conduct either direct or indirect primaries.
OHP warned that non-compliance with these provisions may expose political parties to litigation, candidate disqualification, and reputational damage.
Nigerian courts, have consistently upheld the sanctity of due process in electoral matters.
From a democratic standpoint, OHP stressed that while consensus can foster stability, its misuse may suppress dissent, marginalize stakeholders, and erode public trust in the political system.
On this note,the Organization for Harmony and Peace called on political actors, party leaders, and stakeholders to ensure that consensus processes reflect both the letter and spirit of the law.
We emphasized that democratic leadership must be rooted in fairness, inclusiveness, and accountability.
“In periods of political tension, adherence to due process is not just a legal requirement but a moral obligation,”
Finally, OHP reaffirmed that consensus candidacy remains lawful under the Electoral Act 2022, but only when all legal conditions are strictly fulfilled. Where such conditions are absent, the law rightly restores the process to open competition through primaries, thereby safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic ideals.
The Organization concluded with a call for continuous commitment to justice, inclusiveness, and peaceful political engagement across the nation.
Signed
Ambassador Olaleye Rasheed Damilare*
Director of Media
Organization for Harmony and Peace (OHP)
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