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The build-up to the National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken a decisive turn as Ajibola Basiru was reportedly granted a “bow and go” endorsement ahead of the party’s crucial gathering in Abuja.
The term “bow and go,” commonly used in Nigeria’s political lexicon, signifies a consensus arrangement where a candidate is widely accepted by stakeholders without the need for a contested vote. Party insiders revealed that the development followed extensive consultations among party leaders, power brokers, and delegates, all aimed at ensuring unity and a hitch-free convention.
Basiru, is said to have garnered broad support across key blocs within the party. His perceived loyalty, experience, and alignment with the party’s leadership were cited as major factors behind the consensus.
Sources within the APC noted that the move is part of a broader strategy to minimize internal friction and present a united front as the party prepares to reposition itself ahead of future political engagements. The adoption of consensus candidates, they added, is not new but remains a tested mechanism for maintaining cohesion within the party.
While some party faithful have expressed concerns about the implications of consensus arrangements on internal democracy, others argue that such decisions are often necessary to avoid rancorous contests that could weaken party unity.
Observers say the endorsement of Basiru underscores the growing influence of consensus politics within the APC, especially in high-stakes conventions where leadership positions are keenly contested.
The National Convention, scheduled to hold at the Eagle Square in Abuja, is expected to attract delegates from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Key national offices will be filled during the exercise, with several positions already reportedly settled through similar consensus agreements.
As preparations intensify, party leaders have continued to assure members of a transparent and credible process, despite the increasing reliance on negotiated outcomes.
For Basiru, the “bow and go” endorsement signals not just political acceptance, but also a significant step toward assuming a strategic leadership role within the party—pending formal ratification at the convention.
The coming days will ultimately determine how these consensus decisions play out on the convention floor, but for now, the APC appears set on a path of unity, calculation, and controlled political transition.