The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has said endorsements will not prevent aspirants from contesting in a transparent primary process ahead of National Assembly elections.

In a statement issued on Monday in Ado Ekiti, the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, directed aspirants to engage party members directly and demonstrate their political strength.

The party stated that while consensus remains an option, direct primaries would be adopted where agreement among aspirants is not achieved, in line with its constitution.

The clarification follows reports suggesting that certain aspirants had been endorsed as preferred candidates by party leaders, potentially eliminating the need for primaries.

Former governor Kayode Fayemi had earlier dismissed such claims, urging members to disregard rumours of endorsements and insisting that consensus cannot be imposed where there is disagreement.

He also questioned why some aspirants, including sitting lawmakers, would avoid primary elections, stressing that candidates should rely on their performance to secure support.

The party reaffirmed the positions of Governor Biodun Oyebanji and former governors Segun Oni and Adeniyi Adebayo, all of whom have emphasised adherence to internal democracy and due process.

According to the APC, aspirants must comply with party guidelines and avoid misrepresenting the stance of its leaders, while engaging members ahead of the primaries.

The party reiterated its commitment to providing a level playing field for all contestants, noting that every aspirant retains the right to participate in a fair and credible selection process.