The National Working Committee (NWC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been urged by local government leaders in Lagos State to respect the results of the party’s governorship primary and respect the wishes of its members.
Following a meeting of the Forum of Local Government Area Chairmen of the ADC in Lagos State, a communiqué containing the appeal was released.
The statement, which was signed by the forum’s secretary, Oluwabukola Okeowo, and chairman, Anaere Ugochukwu, claimed that attempts were made to override the decision made by party members during the governorship primary process.
The forum praised the State Executive Committee members and Lagos State ADC Chairman George Ashiru for their leadership in running the party’s operations.
The chairmen assert that a political party’s credibility and expansion are primarily dependent on its dedication to internal democracy and respect for the choices made by its members.
They argued that actions that could erode members’ trust in the party should not take the place of votes cast by party loyalists, which should continue to be the final factor in choosing candidates.
As grassroots leaders, we think that a political party’s integrity and strength stem from its commitment to democratic principles. Members’ decisions must always be respected, according to the communiqué.
The forum contended that the trust and confidence of the ADC’s members and supporters throughout the state would be crucial to the party’s chances in upcoming elections.
It asked the party’s national leadership to thoroughly consider the issues raised by the Lagos governorship primary and make sure that any decisions made are consistent with the party’s democratic principles and constitution.
The chairmen cautioned that the party’s electoral prospects could be impacted and its grassroots support base weakened if actions were seen as disregarding the wishes of party members.
They further urged the National Secretariat and the NWC to uphold the mandate freely granted by members during the primary election, citing it as the best way to maintain stability and unity within the party.
The forum claims that honouring the primary’s result would increase the ADC’s prospects of becoming a significant political force in Lagos State before the general elections in 2027.
The group further stated that if the party wants to solidify its increasing support and set itself up for electoral success in the state, adherence to democratic principles is still crucial.
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