.……Reaffirms Commitment to Internal Democracy in Lagos State
Emmanuel Clement.
The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly dismissed as false and malicious reports alleging a plot to impose candidates ahead of the forthcoming legislative elections, describing the claims as a calculated attempt to create unnecessary tension within the party.
In a statement issued on April 16, the Lagos APC Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, condemned the report attributed to a faceless group of “concerned and vigilant members,” stating that the claims were fabricated to inflame passions and create a false impression of crisis.
Ojelabi stated that there were no clandestine meetings, predetermined lists, or plans to impose candidates, emphasizing that the party remains committed to transparent and democratic processes.
He noted that individuals unable to advance their ambitions through legitimate party channels had resorted to propaganda, blackmail, and anonymous media sensationalism, adding that such tactics would neither intimidate the leadership nor derail the party’s democratic framework.
The Lagos APC also placed security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and other democratic stakeholders on alert over what it described as the activities of political mischief-makers attempting to destabilize the political environment through orchestrated falsehoods.
According to the statement, the party remains guided by the Electoral Act, the APC constitution, and guidelines issued by the national leadership regarding the emergence of candidates for the upcoming elections.
The Clergy turned politician reiterated that where consensus cannot be reached among stakeholders, the party would conduct direct primaries, stressing that the decision remains lawful, settled, and non-negotiable.
“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.”
“The party therefore urged members and the public to disregard the claims by faceless groups and political opportunists, assuring that internal democracy, due process, and the collective will of party members would ultimately determine candidate emergence.”the statement reads
The Lagos APC went further to reaffirm its commitment to transparency, unity, and democratic principles as preparations continue for the forthcoming legislative elections.