Dr. Chiogo Constance Ikokwu, House of Representatives aspirant for Idemili North and South Federal Constituency under the Nigeria Democratic Congress [NDC], has urged political parties to stop using consensus as a blanket tool to protect underperforming incumbents ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking on Monday, Ikokwu said consensus remains a legitimate method of candidate selection but warned against applying it automatically without assessing performance and grassroots support.

“Consensus, particularly in the Nigeria Democratic Congress, should be based on performance, credibility, and the wishes of party members at the grassroots — not treated as a political entitlement,” she said.

“No elected office should become a personal inheritance. Where representatives have performed excellently and enjoy genuine support, consensus may naturally emerge. But imposing it across the board without evaluating performance and grassroots acceptance sends the wrong message. It discourages participation and healthy competition within the party.”

Ikokwu, who is contesting from one of Anambra’s most politically competitive constituencies, argued that imposing poorly performing incumbents risks costing the party the general election.

She called on party leaders to uphold fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity for all aspirants, particularly young people, women, and first-time contestants.

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

Ikokwu noted that while the Electoral Act 2022 recognizes consensus candidacy, it sets clear conditions.

Section 84(9) of the Act states that a political party adopting a consensus candidate must secure the written consent of all cleared aspirants for the position, confirming their voluntary withdrawal and endorsement. If consensus fails, the party must revert to direct primaries. A special convention or congress must also be held to ratify the consensus choice at the national, state, senatorial, federal, and state constituency levels.

“The rules exist for a reason,” Ikokwu said. “They are meant to ensure that consensus reflects genuine agreement, not imposition.”

Ikokwu is running under the platform “Ugonecheora,” meaning “the eagle that protects the people.”