Senatorial Aspirant , Bandawaire Rejects Consensus, Demands Direct APC Primaries

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The Senatorial aspirant for Taraba North, Honorable Kabiru Bello Bandawaire, has expressed opposition to the consensus approach being considered in the All Progressives Congress primaries, advocating instead for a direct and transparent process.

During an interaction with journalists on Friday in Jalingo, Bandawaire emphasized that his focus is on representing the people rather than the government.

He argued that consensus undermines democratic choice and urged Governor Agbu Kefas to refrain from interfering in the process.

He warned that such interference could be counterproductive.

Bandawaire questioned the rationale behind a three-term senator advocating for consensus over primaries, asking, “What is the fear about? If you opt for consensus in the primary election, what about the general elections? That is not democracy.”

He stated, “First and foremost, it is not about the government, it is about the people. I am representing the interest of the people. On this issue of consensus, I am not consenting to it at all. All I want is direct primaries, and direct primaries should be carried out under a transparent process. The beauty of democracy is that the majority is always welcome.”

Bandawaire expressed concern that Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas may need to reconsider his approach, warning that interference could have detrimental effects.

He implored the governor to allow direct primaries to proceed without hindrance.

In response to comments at a recent stakeholders’ meeting suggesting that primaries waste resources, Bandawaire clarified that the responsibility for funding the process lies with the party, not the state government.

He challenged the governor to test his own stance on consensus by asking the incumbent northern senator to step down for him.

“The party sold forms, we purchased forms. I purchased a form for N20,000,000, as did others, so the party has the responsibility to fund its activities, not the state government.”

He added, “Since I am not consenting to consensus, let the governor try whether the northern senator will consent to consensus by choosing me, and see whether he will agree. If he is not going to agree, why should I agree?”