The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has firmly rejected allegations of an alleged plan to impose candidates ahead of the upcoming legislative elections, calling the claims baseless and designed to stir internal conflict within the party. In a statement released on Thursday, state chairman Cornelius Ojelabi dismissed reports from a group calling itself “concerned and vigilant members” as a deliberate fabrication aimed at misleading the public and sowing discord. He emphasized that no secret meetings or pre-arranged candidate lists exist, and that the accusations are part of a calculated effort to create a crisis where none is real.
Ojelabi stated that certain individuals, unable to achieve their political ambitions through legitimate party processes, have resorted to propaganda and anonymous campaigns to undermine the party’s leadership. He warned that such tactics would not weaken the APC’s internal structures or interfere with its democratic procedures. The party remains committed to transparency, due process, and internal democracy, he added, insisting that no pressure or misinformation would alter its course.
The Lagos APC also raised concerns about what it described as “fifth columnists” attempting to destabilize the political environment through the spread of falsehoods. It urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and other stakeholders to remain vigilant and take note of these malicious efforts. The party reiterated its pledge to strictly follow the Electoral Act, its own constitution, and guidelines from the national leadership in selecting candidates for the elections.
While consensus arrangements may be adopted where possible, the party confirmed that direct primaries will be held in cases where agreement cannot be reached. This approach, the statement noted, is both lawful and binding under party rules. Ojelabi stressed that the voice of duly registered party members remains supreme and will be expressed through officially sanctioned democratic mechanisms.
He urged members and the public to ignore the misleading narratives being circulated by faceless groups and political opportunists who thrive on false alarms and manufactured controversies. The party remains a disciplined and institution-driven political family, built on consultation, inclusiveness, and respect for democratic norms, according to the statement. Internal democracy will prevail, due process will be upheld, and the collective will of members will determine candidate emergence.
As the election season intensifies, the Lagos APC’s stance underscores its commitment to fair and transparent candidate selection, setting a precedent for other political parties to follow. The party’s resolve to maintain order and democratic integrity within its ranks may influence the broader political landscape in Nigeria’s most populous state.
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