Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State have expressed alarm over alleged attempts by certain party leaders to impose candidates ahead of the upcoming elections. In a statement released on Wednesday and signed by Tunde Samson on behalf of a group identifying itself as “concerned and vigilant members,” the faction accused prominent figures, including James Faleke, Cornelius Ojelabi, and Mutiu Are, of holding private meetings to compile a predetermined list of candidates for the House of Representatives and the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The group claimed these meetings were taking place at a private residence and described the actions as a deliberate effort to undermine the party’s commitment to direct primaries. “This runs contrary to the party’s clear position on direct primaries and represents a serious threat to internal democracy,” the statement read. “It undermines the rights of party members and disregards the principles upon which the party stands.”
The members warned that they would oppose any attempt to impose candidates, insisting that the Lagos APC should not be controlled by a select few or reduced to a platform for predetermined political arrangements. They also referenced past controversies surrounding local government elections in the state, alleging that previous exercises were marked by irregularities and imposition, a situation they said must not be repeated.
The group called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure that democratic processes are upheld within the party. They highlighted Tinubu’s history of participating in party primaries and his advocacy for transparent and credible electoral processes. Issuing what it described as a final caution, the group stressed that any attempt to sidestep due process could provoke strong resistance within the party. “There must be free, fair, and transparent primaries. Anything short of that will be resisted,” the statement added.
Efforts to obtain responses from the individuals mentioned in the allegations were unsuccessful at the time of reporting. The development underscores growing tensions within the Lagos APC as the party prepares for the upcoming elections, with internal democracy and adherence to party guidelines emerging as key points of contention.
