• Lagos APC denied allegations that it already has a predetermined list of candidates for House of Representatives and House of Assembly primaries
• The party said it would adopt direct primaries if consensus fails after consultations
• Lagos APC Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi described the claims as false, mischievous and aimed at creating tension
• Ojelabi insisted the party would follow the Electoral Act, APC constitution and national guidelines

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has dismissed claims that it already has a predetermined list of candidates ahead of its House of Representatives and state House of Assembly primaries.

In a statement issued on Thursday, April 16, the Lagos APC Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, said the party would stick to direct primaries if consensus could not be reached after consultations.

The statement followed allegations by a group known as “Concerned Members of the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress,” which accused some party leaders of planning to impose preferred candidates for the House of Representatives and state House of Assembly elections.

The group, led by Tunde Samson, named Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, House of Representatives member James Faleke, Lagos APC Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi, and party chieftain Mutiu Aare as those allegedly putting together a list of preferred candidates ahead of the party’s primaries.

According to the group, the alleged move would go against the APC’s commitment to direct primaries and deny party members the right to freely choose their candidates.

Responding to the accusations, Ojelabi described the claims as false, mischievous and aimed at creating the impression of a crisis within the party.

“We state without equivocation that there is no plot, no clandestine meetings, and no predetermined list of candidates as falsely alleged.

“It is deeply unfortunate that certain elements, unable to advance their ambitions through legitimate party channels, have now resorted to the tired tactics of propaganda, blackmail and anonymous media sensationalism.

“Such antics will neither intimidate the leadership of the party nor derail our established democratic processes,” Ojelabi said.

He also described the allegations by the self-styled concerned members as “a desperate fabrication, a reckless exercise in mischief, and a calculated attempt to inflame passions within our great party.”

Ojelabi stressed that the Electoral Act and the APC’s constitution clearly outline the process for selecting candidates.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Electoral Act, as amended, is crystal clear on the lawful process for the emergence of candidates for the coming elections.

“The Lagos APC remains fully guided by the provisions of the law, the constitution of our party, and the duly issued guidelines of the national leadership.

“We have made our position abundantly clear: where consensus cannot be reached through broad consultation and mutual agreement, there shall be direct primaries. This position is settled, lawful and non-negotiable. Absolutely nothing will change that.”

He said the party would not be distracted by “sponsored misinformation, subtle blackmail, media propaganda or clandestine scheming.”

According to him, the Lagos APC remains committed to consultation, inclusiveness and democratic values.

“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 a false alarm and manufactured controversy.”

Ojelabi added that those spreading the allegations were deliberately trying to create unnecessary tension within the party.

“These actors, through orchestrated falsehoods and deliberate attempts to manufacture tension, seek to create an atmosphere of distrust and apprehension where none should exist. Their actions are clearly designed to undermine public confidence in the party’s transparent processes and to provoke avoidable political anxiety.

“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.”

National Convention: Lagos APC delegates cause major disruption at Murtala Muhammed Airport

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the local wing of Murtala Muhammed International Airport experienced significant disruptions as members of the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) departed for Abuja ahead of the party’s highly anticipated National Convention.

APC delegates from Lagos began arriving at the airport as early as 6:00 a.m., many dressed in coordinated Ankara attire, signalling unity and party solidarity ahead of the national gathering. The colourful arrivals caused noticeable congestion at the terminal, prompting airport officials to manage the large crowds and ensure smooth processing.

The mobilisation had underscored Lagos State’s influence within the APC and the high stakes of the convention in shaping future strategies.