Our primaries for all members, says Lagos APC Chairman Ojelabi
The Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, has said the party’s primaries are for all members. Ojelabi, in a statement yesterday in Ogba, Lagos
- By Emmanuel Oladesu
The Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, has said the party’s primaries are for all members.
Ojelabi, in a statement yesterday in Ogba, Lagos said: ‘’We congratulate the leaders and members of our party on the successful hosting of our National Convention, which concluded the election of officers of our party in its various segments. I thank you all for your support, resilience and sacrifices in bringing this glory to our party.
‘’Now that the convention is over, our focus is the process of electing the candidates who will fly our party‘s flag in the next election. As usual, this will be done in compliance with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) timetable and in accordance with the 2026 Electoral Act (as amended) and other laws governing elections.
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‘’In line with the Electoral Act, the party will adopt direct primaries as the first option for electing our candidates. However, consensus arrangements will also be encouraged where possible, provided such agreements are reached and accepted by all interests.
‘’I wish to state categorically that all the available positions are open for contest, as the party has no anointed candidate for any seat. We, therefore, encourage all members who wish to contest any of the positions to do so in accordance with the law. However, it is important to note that the party will not refund the nomination and/or administrative fees to any aspirant.
‘’As a progressive party, we will give all members a level-playing field to contest the positions of their choice in a free, fair and transparent manner that will produce the real representatives of the constituencies.
‘’Furthermore, in line with our party’s commitment to inclusivity and gender equity, special consideration will be given to popular and influential female aspirants in relevant constituencies to promote their participation and contribution to the process
‘’Therefore, all interested members should play by the rules as we will not engage in imposition of candidates; neither would will we influence the outcome of the primaries.
‘’As a party of structure, we remain committed to upholding the principles of internal democracy and, thus, encourage everyone to play his part with dignity and honour. Therefore, while we await the official guidelines on the primaries from our national body, we urge all members to, as usual, conduct themselves with decorum, discipline and mutual respect. Long live APC, Long live Nigeria.’’
