The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied allegations that it has prepared a fixed list of candidates ahead of its upcoming House of Representatives and House of Assembly primaries.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Lagos APC Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, described the claims as false and misleading, insisting that no such list exists within the party.
The clarification follows accusations by a group known as the “Concerned Members of the Lagos State APC,” which alleged that some party leaders were planning to impose preferred candidates ahead of the primaries.
The group had accused several prominent party figures, including the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, and other party stakeholders, of secretly compiling a list of anointed candidates, an action they claimed would undermine internal democracy.
Responding to the allegations, Ojelabi dismissed them as baseless and an attempt to create unnecessary tension within the party. He maintained that the APC remains committed to a transparent and lawful candidate selection process.
He explained that the party’s guidelines clearly allow for consensus-building among members, but where agreement cannot be reached, direct primaries will be conducted in line with electoral laws.
Ojelabi also accused those behind the claims of resorting to propaganda after failing to advance their political ambitions through legitimate party structures.
He reaffirmed that the Lagos APC operates on the principles of internal democracy, consultation, and inclusiveness, stressing that all registered members have a voice in the process.
The party urged its members and the public to disregard what it described as misleading reports, insisting that the primaries will be conducted fairly and in accordance with established rules.
