APC Lagos Concludes Aspirant Screening for Local Government Congresses
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has completed the screening of 540 aspirants, with 27 candidates approved from each of the state’s 20 local government areas. This move prepares the party for its local government congress scheduled for Saturday, February 21.
The screening exercise was held at the party’s state secretariat in Ogba, overseen by the Local Government Area Ward Congress Committee. Committee Chairman, Barrister Mungji B. Salama, reported that the process was orderly and hitch-free, with no aspirant disqualified. He noted that where stakeholders achieved a consensus on candidates, such arrangements would be formally ratified rather than subjected to a contest.
“There is consensus if people agree. They will only need to ratify it,” Salama stated. He added that the complete list of screened aspirants will be known upon official display. Salama urged unsuccessful aspirants to maintain party loyalty, emphasizing, “For those that didn’t qualify, there is always another time. Let us do it without any rancour.”
He commended the Lagos APC leadership for providing an enabling environment, describing the state chapter as a pacesetter in party organization and guideline adherence.
Speaking separately, Lagos APC Chairman, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, confirmed that the screening marked the final phase of preparation for the local government congress. He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to transparency and internal democracy throughout the process.
“We started the process of the screening, and tomorrow we are rounding off in preparation for the local government congress,” Ojelabi said. He highlighted the APC’s practice of inviting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and media observers to its congresses as a testament to its openness and accountability.
Ojelabi stressed the critical importance of strict compliance with the Electoral Act for officials who will manage party affairs at the local government level. “The content of the Electoral Act is very critical, so those who are going to be in charge at the LGA must be properly briefed,” he remarked.
Congratulating the screened aspirants, Ojelabi framed seeking party office as a call to service, not personal advancement. He urged candidates to honestly evaluate their capacity to serve the party and strengthen its grassroots structures.
The successful conclusion of the screening paves the way for the local government congresses, which will elect party executives across Lagos State’s 20 LGAs. The APC’s emphasis on consensus and compliance with electoral guidelines underscores its efforts to ensure a structured and transparent internal process ahead of future elections.
