Lagos: APC Denies Plan to Impose Aspirant

In Lagos, the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has forcefully refuted what it terms 'malicious publications' alleging a plot to impose candidates ahead of the party's primaries. ThisDay reports on the strong denial issued by the party's state chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, who unequivocally stated that such claims are 'baseless, mischievous, and designed solely to create the false impression of crisis where none exists.'

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We state without equivocation that there is no plot, no clandestine meetings, and no predetermined list of candidates as falsely alleged.

Ojelabi directed his criticism towards elements within the party who, unable to achieve their ambitions through legitimate means, have resorted to 'propaganda, blackmail, and anonymous media sensationalism.' He asserted that these tactics would neither intimidate the party leadership nor derail its democratic processes. The Lagos APC is formally notifying security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) about the activities of these 'fifth columnists' and 'political mischief-makers' who aim to destabilize the polity.

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These claims are baseless, mischievous, and designed solely to create the false impression of crisis where none exists.

The party stressed its adherence to the Electoral Act and its own constitution, making its position clear: if consensus cannot be achieved through broad consultation, direct primaries will be the method for selecting candidates. This stance is described as 'settled, lawful, and non-negotiable.' The APC leadership is determined to prevent sponsored misinformation, blackmail, or propaganda from altering its commitment to due process and internal democracy.

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The Lagos APC is by this statement formally putting security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and all relevant democratic stakeholders on notice regarding the activities of fifth columnists and political mischief-makers who are engaged in clandestine moves aimed at unnecessarily destabilizing and overheating the polity.

From the perspective of the Lagos APC, as reflected in this statement, the emphasis is on maintaining internal discipline and upholding democratic norms. The party positions itself as an 'institution-driven political family' where the voice of registered members is supreme and will be expressed through 'duly sanctioned democratic mechanisms.' This strong rebuttal serves to reassure party members and the public that the APC remains committed to transparency and fairness, urging them to disregard 'faceless groups and political opportunists' who thrive on manufacturing controversy. The message is clear: internal democracy and due process will prevail.

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For the avoidance of doubt, the Electoral Act as amended is crystal clear on the lawful process for the emergence of candidates for the coming elections. The Lagos APC remains fully guided by the provisions of the law, the constitution of our party, and the duly issued guidelines of the national leadership.