Lagos APC denies candidate imposition claims

The Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress on Thursday dismissed claims that it had drawn up a predetermined list of candidates for the upcoming House of Representatives and State House of Assembly primaries.

The response was given by the state chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, following allegations made by a group of members who described themselves as concerned party stakeholders. The group had accused some leaders, including Obafemi Hamzat and James Faleke, of holding private meetings to select preferred candidates before the primaries.

In its reaction, the party said there was no plan to impose candidates and denied holding any secret meetings or compiling any list as alleged. It described the claims as false and intended to create confusion within the party.

The chairman explained that the party would follow due process in selecting candidates. He said where agreement is not reached among stakeholders, direct primaries would be conducted in line with the law and party guidelines.

The party maintained that its operations are guided by democratic principles and that members would have the opportunity to participate in the selection process. It added that the voices of registered party members would determine who emerges as candidates.

The statement also suggested that some individuals were spreading false claims because they could not achieve their ambitions through normal party procedures.

The Lagos APC urged members and the public to ignore the allegations, insisting that the party remains united and committed to a fair process in choosing its candidates.