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The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has rejected claims of an alleged plan to impose candidates ahead of the forthcoming legislative elections, describing the accusations as unfounded and aimed at creating unnecessary tension within the party.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the state chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, dismissed the report credited to a group identifying itself as “concerned and vigilant members,” stating that it was a fabrication intended to mislead the public and incite internal discord.
Ojelabi maintained that there were no secret meetings or pre-arranged lists of candidates, stressing that the allegations were a deliberate attempt to manufacture a crisis where none exists.
He further alleged that certain individuals, unable to pursue their ambitions through legitimate party channels, had resorted to propaganda and anonymous campaigns to discredit the party’s leadership.
According to him, such tactics would not undermine the party’s structures or interfere with its democratic processes.
The party also expressed concern over what it described as efforts by “fifth columnists” to destabilise the political environment, calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, security agencies, and other stakeholders to take note of attempts to spread misinformation.
Reaffirming its stance, the Lagos APC stated that it would strictly comply with the Electoral Act, the party’s constitution, and guidelines issued by its national leadership in the selection of candidates.
The statement noted that while consensus arrangements may be adopted where feasible, direct primaries would be conducted in cases where agreement is not reached, describing the approach as both lawful and binding.
Ojelabi emphasised that the party remains committed to transparency, due process, and internal democracy, insisting that no form of pressure or misinformation would alter its position.
He urged party members and the general public to disregard what he described as misleading narratives being circulated by opportunistic groups, assuring that the choice of candidates would ultimately rest with registered party members.
“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, and that voice shall find full expression through duly sanctioned democratic mechanisms.
“We, therefore, urge our members and the general public to disregard the antics of faceless groups and political opportunists whose stock-in-trade is false alarm and manufactured controversy.
“Let it be clearly understood 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 remains supreme, and that voice will be expressed through duly sanctioned democratic mechanisms,” the statement added.
Lagos APC denies plot to impose candidates ahead of elections
