Ojelabi warns party officials against premature endorsement of aspirants

The Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, yesterday warned party officials against the premature endorsement of aspirants for elective positions.

He condemned the disturbing and unauthorised actions of some council chairmen, who are publicly raising the hands of certain aspirants and presenting them as consensus candidates of the party.

He said in a statement that such conduct is wrong, unacceptable and a violation of the principles of internal democracy, fairness and due process for which APC is known.

Ojelabi said: ‘’These actions are capable of generating avoidable tension, fuelling suspicion and causing needless division within the party ranks at a time when unity and discipline remain paramount.’’

The statement reads: “For the avoidance of doubt,  Lagos State APC has not issued guidelines, directives, or timetable for the forthcoming primaries. Consequently, any attempt by any party official to project or anoint any aspirant as a consensus candidate is premature, misleading and entirely without the authorisation of the party.

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“The party hereby places all officials on notice that, following this warning, it will not hesitate to impose appropriate disciplinary sanctions on any person that continues to engage in these unauthorised and destabilising acts.

“We wish to reassure all duly registered party members who meet the constitutional requirements to contest elective offices that the party remains committed to providing a level playing field for all aspirants, free from intimidation, coercion, or any form of undue influence.

“The All Progressives Congress in Lagos State will not compromise its hard-earned reputation as a political institution founded on the ideals of justice, equity, fairness, and transparent internal democratic processes.

“Accordingly, all party officials who are expected to serve as impartial umpires in the forthcoming primaries are strongly enjoined to maintain strict neutrality in the overall interest of party unity, cohesion and credibility.”