BOOT PARTY SLAMS ALLEGED IMPOSED CONSENSUS IN OGUN, SAYS DEMOCRACY UNDER SIEGE

The BOOT Party has raised the alarm over what it described as a grave threat to democracy in Ogun State, condemning the alleged orchestration of a so-called “consensus candidacy” within the ruling party in favour of Olamilekan Adeola.

The party, in a strongly worded statement, accused political actors operating under the watch of Dapo Abiodun of imposing candidates and manipulating party structures in violation of democratic norms.

The BOOT Party Chairman Arc Akerele abiodun stated that although political parties are allowed to adopt consensus as a method of candidate selection, the Electoral Act (Amendment) 2026 has made internal democracy, transparency, and verifiable consent compulsory.

“What is unfolding in Ogun State does not reflect consensus. It reflects coercion dressed as unity, and imposition disguised as strategy,” the party said.

According to the statement, the amended Electoral Act was enacted to strengthen internal party democracy, prevent elite capture of party structures, and guarantee fair participation for all aspirants and stakeholders.

However, the party alleged that these reforms are being deliberately circumvented.

“We are witnessing a calculated attempt to manufacture agreement where there is none, silence dissent within party ranks, and present a pre-determined outcome as a democratic process,” it said, warning that the development “is not just a party issue it is a dangerous precedent for the entire political system.”

Rejecting what it described as godfather politics, the BOOT Party declared that it would not support any system where “a single power bloc dictates the political future of millions, aspirants are bullied into submission, and party members are reduced to spectators in their own party.” It added, “Democracy cannot survive where loyalty to individuals overrides loyalty to the people.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Akerele further alleged that the alleged imposition is part of a broader strategy to weaken opposition voices and predetermine the 2027 electoral landscape.
“What is being imposed today under the influence of entrenched political interests is nothing short of a coordinated effort to shrink the democratic space before the contest even begins,” he said.

The BOOT Party warned that the strategy goes beyond internal party manipulation, noting that it seeks to discourage credible challengers across party lines, create an illusion of inevitability to demoralise voters, and undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

“Such tactics are anti-democratic and ultimately unsustainable,” it stressed.

Reaffirming its position, the party said it stands firmly for “open, competitive primaries, credible candidates with proven integrity, and a level playing field for all political actors.” It insisted that “leadership must not be handpicked in private meetings, but earned through the trust of the people.”

Calling on residents of Ogun State, the party urged citizens to resist political imposition. “Do not accept political decisions made without your voice.

Do not normalise imposition in the name of consensus. Do not surrender your democratic power to political gatekeepers,” it said, adding that the state’s history of resistance should not be compromised by elite arrangements.

The BOOT Party concluded by reiterating its commitment to a new political culture, stating, “Process matters, people matter, and power truly belongs to the citizens. Any attempt to subvert this vision, whether by imposition, manipulation, or elite control will be firmly resisted, because of our tomorrow.”