Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State have raised concerns 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 conducting 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 held at a private residence and described the actions as a deliberate effort to undermine the party’s commitment to direct primaries.
The statement emphasized that these actions contradict the party’s clear position on direct primaries and pose a serious threat to internal democracy. It asserted that such practices undermine the rights of party members and disregard the fundamental principles upon which the APC stands. The members warned that they would oppose any attempts 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.
Additionally, the group referenced past controversies surrounding local government elections in the state, alleging that previous exercises were marred by irregularities and imposition, a situation they insisted must not be repeated. They called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure that democratic processes are upheld within the party, highlighting his history of participating in party primaries and advocating for transparent and credible electoral processes.
In what they 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 concluded. Efforts to obtain responses from the individuals mentioned in the allegations were unsuccessful at the time of reporting. This development underscores the 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.
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