A faction of the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), operating as “Concerned and Vigilant Members,” has alleged a plot by party leaders to bypass direct primaries and impose candidates for the upcoming House of Representatives and State House of Assembly elections.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by Tunde Samson on behalf of what it described as “concerned and vigilant members,” the group accused key party figures, including James Faleke, Cornelius Ojelabi, and Mutiu Are, of allegedly holding private meetings to compile a predetermined list of candidates for the House of Representatives and the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The group claimed the meetings were taking place at a private residence and described the development as a deliberate attempt to undermine the party’s stated commitment to direct primaries.
“This runs contrary to the party’s clear position on direct primaries and represents a serious threat to internal democracy. It undermines the rights of party members and disregards the principles upon which the party stands,” the statement read.
The members warned that they would oppose any effort to impose candidates, insisting that the Lagos APC should not be controlled by a select group or reduced to a platform for predetermined political arrangements.
They also referenced past controversies surrounding local government elections in the state, alleging that earlier exercises were characterised by irregularities and imposition, a situation they said must not be repeated.
The group further called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure that democratic processes are upheld within the party.
According to them, Tinubu has a track record of participating in party primaries and remains an advocate of transparent and credible electoral processes.
Issuing what it described as a final caution, the group stressed that any attempt to sidestep due process could provoke strong resistance within the party.
“There must be free, fair, and transparent primaries. Anything short of that will be resisted,” the statement added.
Efforts to obtain responses from the individuals mentioned in the allegations were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
