Key Takeaways
- Lagos APC leadership officially refutes claims of a clandestine plot to impose candidates for upcoming legislative elections.
- Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi labels the allegations as malicious propaganda designed to destabilize the party.
- The party confirms that direct primaries will be utilized if consensus cannot be reached through consultation.
- Security agencies and INEC have been alerted to the activities of political mischief-makers.
Lagos APC Stands Firm Against Candidate Imposition Allegations
The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a stern rebuttal against recent media reports alleging a secret plot to impose candidates for the upcoming legislative elections. Addressing the press on Thursday, the State Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, dismissed the rumors as a calculated campaign of misinformation orchestrated by faceless individuals seeking to sow discord within the party ranks.
Addressing the Fabrications
The controversy stemmed from claims made by a self-styled group of “concerned members,” which alleged that the party leadership was bypassing internal democratic processes to handpick favorites. Pastor Ojelabi characterized these reports as a “reckless exercise in mischief,” emphasizing that no clandestine meetings have taken place and no predetermined list of candidates exists. He noted that such tactics are the hallmark of political actors who lack the capacity to compete fairly within the party’s established framework.
“It is deeply unfortunate that certain elements, unable to advance their ambitions through legitimate party channels, have now resorted to the tired tactics of propaganda, blackmail, and anonymous media sensationalism,” Ojelabi stated. He further warned that such antics would not intimidate the leadership or derail the party’s commitment to a transparent electoral process.
Upholding Democratic Integrity
Reiterating the party's stance, the Chairman clarified that the Lagos APC is strictly guided by the Electoral Act, the party’s constitution, and the guidelines issued by the national leadership. He underscored that the party remains a disciplined, institution-driven family where the voice of the registered member is supreme. In instances where a consensus cannot be reached through broad consultation, the party will proceed with direct primaries, a position Ojelabi described as “settled, lawful, and non-negotiable.”
The party has formally notified security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding these attempts to overheat the polity. By alerting these stakeholders, the APC aims to protect the integrity of the upcoming elections from fifth columnists who seek to manufacture tension and undermine public confidence.
A Call for Unity
Concluding his address, Pastor Ojelabi urged loyal party members and the general public to disregard the noise from political opportunists. He reaffirmed that the collective will of the members will remain the ultimate determinant of candidate emergence. As the legislative elections approach, the Lagos APC maintains that its focus remains on upholding due process and ensuring that internal democracy prevails, effectively silencing the rumors of imposition once and for all.
Why This Matters
This firm stance by the Lagos APC leadership is critical for maintaining party cohesion and public trust ahead of the elections, ensuring that the democratic process remains transparent and free from the influence of political saboteurs.