Concerns have been voiced by a group of disgruntled members of the All Progressives Congress’ Lagos State chapter regarding a purported attempt by some party leaders to impose candidates in advance of the next elections.
The group accused prominent party figures, such as James Faleke, Cornelius Ojelabi, and Mutiu Are, of allegedly holding private meetings to compile a predetermined list of candidates for the House of Representatives and the Lagos State House of Assembly in a statement released on Wednesday and signed by Tunde Samson on behalf of what it described as “concerned and vigilant members.”
The group viewed the development as an intentional attempt to subvert the party’s declared commitment to direct primaries and asserted that the meetings were being held in a private property.
This runs contrary to the party’s clear position on direct primaries and represents a serious threat to internal democracy. It undermines the rights of party members and disregards the principles upon which the party stands,” the statement read.
The members warned that they would oppose any effort to impose candidates, insisting that the Lagos APC should not be controlled by a select group or reduced to a platform for predetermined political arrangements.
They also referenced past controversies surrounding local government elections in the state, alleging that earlier exercises were characterised by irregularities and imposition, a situation they said must not be repeated.
The group further called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure that democratic processes are upheld within the party.
They claim that Tinubu has a history of taking part in party primaries and continues to support open and reliable election procedures.
The organization issued what it called a final warning, emphasizing that any attempt to circumvent due process might lead to fierce opposition inside the party.
“Free, equitable, and transparent primaries are essential. “Anything less than that will be opposed,” the statement continued.
As of the time this report was filed, attempts to get answers from the people named in the charges had failed.
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