“APC in Lagos Quashes Rumors of Candidate Imposition Before Elections”

The Lagos State division of the All Progressives Congress has refuted allegations of a supposed scheme to impose candidates ahead of the upcoming legislative elections, characterizing the claims as baseless and intended to foster unwarranted strife within the party.

In a declaration made on Thursday, the state chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, dismissed the information attributed to a faction calling itself “concerned and vigilant members,” asserting that it was a falsehood meant to mislead the public and provoke internal discord.

Ojelabi asserted that there were no clandestine gatherings or pre-determined lists of nominees, emphasizing that the accusations were a calculated effort to create a crisis where none exists.

He also claimed that certain individuals, unable to realize their aspirations through legitimate party avenues, had turned to propaganda and anonymous campaigns to undermine the party’s leadership.

He indicated that such strategies would not weaken the party’s framework or disrupt its democratic processes.

The party also conveyed apprehension regarding what it labelled as attempts by “fifth columnists” to disrupt the political landscape, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security organizations, and other stakeholders to be aware of efforts to disseminate misinformation.

Reiterating its position, the Lagos APC affirmed that it would strictly adhere to the Electoral Act, the party’s constitution, and guidelines provided by its national leadership in the selection of candidates.

The declaration mentioned that while consensus arrangements may be utilized where practical, direct primaries would be held in instances where an agreement is not achieved, characterizing this method as both lawful and binding.

Ojelabi stressed that the party is devoted to transparency, due process, and internal democracy, insisting that no kind of pressure or misinformation would change its stance.

He called upon party members and the general populace to disregard what he referred to as misleading narratives circulated by opportunistic entities, assuring that the selection of candidates would ultimately lie with registered party members.

“The Lagos APC remains a disciplined and institution-centered political family founded on dialogue, inclusiveness, and respect for democratic principles. The voice of duly registered party members is paramount, and that voice will find full expression through duly sanctioned democratic mechanisms.

“We, therefore, encourage our members and the general public to ignore the antics of anonymous factions and political opportunists whose stock-in-trade is false alarm and fabricated controversies.

“Let it be understood clearly that internal democracy will prevail, due process will be upheld, and the collective will of our members shall remain the ultimate determinant of candidate emergence.

“The voice of our members is supreme, and that voice will be expressed through duly sanctioned democratic mechanisms,” the statement concluded.