Emmanuel Clement
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has warned party officials against the premature endorsement of aspirants for elective offices, insisting on a level playing field for all contenders ahead of the forthcoming primaries.
The warning was contained in a statement issued by Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, Lagos State APC Chairman, dated April 19, 2026.
The State Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, said the party’s attention had been drawn to the disturbing and unauthorized actions of some Local Government Chairmen who publicly raised the hands of certain aspirants and presented them as consensus candidates.
Ojelabi described such conduct as unacceptable and contrary to the party’s principles of internal democracy, fairness, and due process, noting that the actions were capable of creating avoidable tension and division within the party.
He emphasized that the Lagos APC had not issued any guidelines, directives, or timetable for the forthcoming primaries, warning that any attempt to project or anoint aspirants as consensus candidates was premature and without authorization.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Lagos State APC has not issued any guidelines, directives, or timetable for the forthcoming primaries.
“Consequently, any attempt by any party official to project or anoint any aspirant as a consensus candidate is premature, misleading, and entirely without the authorization of the party,” he said.
The party chairman went further to warn that disciplinary sanctions would be imposed on any official who continues to engage in such unauthorized acts.
Ojelabi also reassured party members who meet constitutional requirements to contest for elective offices that the party remains committed to fairness and transparency, assuring them of a level playing field free from intimidation, coercion, or undue influence.
He added that the Lagos APC would not compromise its reputation as a political institution founded on justice, equity, fairness, and transparent internal democratic processes.
The chairman therefore urged all party officials expected to serve as impartial umpires in the forthcoming primaries to maintain strict neutrality in the interest of party unity, cohesion, and credibility.
The warning was contained in a statement issued by Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, Lagos State APC Chairman, dated April 19, 2026.