Lagos APC Denies Plot to Impose Candidates for Primaries

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has firmly refuted claims that it intends to pre-select candidates for the upcoming House of Representatives and State House of Assembly primaries. Party Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi issued a strong statement dismissing these allegations as mischievous fabrications designed to sow discord within the party.

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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 asserted that the APC remains committed to the principle of direct primaries, a process that allows party members to freely choose their representatives, should consensus not be achieved through consultations. He specifically addressed accusations from a group calling themselves "Concerned Members of the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress," led by Tunde Samson, which alleged that Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, House of Representatives member James Faleke, Ojelabi himself, and party chieftain Mutiu Aare were involved in compiling a predetermined list.

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The allegations were a desperate fabrication, a reckless exercise in mischief, and a calculated attempt to inflame passions within our great party.

"We state without equivocation that there is no plot, no clandestine meetings, and no predetermined list of candidates as falsely alleged," Ojelabi declared. He characterized the accusations as a desperate attempt by individuals unable to advance their political ambitions through legitimate means, resorting instead to "propaganda, blackmail and anonymous media sensationalism." The party chairman stressed that the APC operates under the guidance of the Electoral Act and its own internal regulations, ensuring a lawful process for candidate emergence.

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For the avoidance of doubt, where consensus cannot be reached through broad consultation and mutual agreement, there shall be direct primaries. This position is settled, lawful and non-negotiable.

This clarification underscores the APC's dedication to internal democracy and its resolve not to be swayed by what it terms "sponsored misinformation and political propaganda." The party leadership insists that the voice of its registered members is paramount and that the organization is a disciplined, institution-driven family committed to democratic norms. The public and party members are urged to disregard the antics of what the APC describes as faceless groups and political opportunists, with assurances that internal democracy will prevail.

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The Lagos APC remains a disciplined and institution-driven political family founded on consultation, inclusiveness and respect for democratic norms. The voice of duly registered party members remains supreme.