The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied allegations that it plans to impose candidates ahead of the upcoming legislative elections, describing the claims as false and intended to create tension within the party.
In a statement, the state chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, dismissed the report allegedly made by a group calling itself “concerned and vigilant members.” He said the claims were fabricated to mislead the public and cause division within the party.
Ojelabi insisted that there were no secret meetings or pre-arranged lists of candidates, adding that the allegations were a deliberate attempt to create a crisis where none exists.
He also accused some individuals of using propaganda and anonymous campaigns to discredit the party’s leadership after failing to achieve their ambitions through proper party channels.
According to him, such actions would not affect the party’s structure or disrupt its democratic processes.
The party further raised concerns about what it described as efforts by “fifth columnists” to destabilize the political environment. It called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and other stakeholders to take note of attempts to spread misinformation.
The Lagos APC reaffirmed that it would follow the Electoral Act, the party’s constitution, and guidelines from its national leadership in selecting candidates.
It explained that while consensus arrangements may be used when possible, direct primaries would be conducted where no agreement is reached, stressing that this approach is lawful and binding.
Ojelabi emphasized that the party is committed to transparency, due process, and internal democracy, and that no pressure or false information would change its position.
He urged party members and the public to ignore misleading reports, assuring that the final decision on candidates would be made by registered party members.
He said:
“The Lagos APC remains a disciplined and institution-driven political family founded on consultation, inclusiveness, and respect for democratic norms. The voice of duly registered party members remains supreme, and that voice shall find full expression through duly sanctioned democratic mechanisms.
“We, therefore, urge our members and the general public to disregard the antics of faceless groups and political opportunists whose stock-in-trade is false alarm and manufactured controversy.
“Let it be clearly understood that internal democracy will prevail, due process will be upheld, and the collective will of our members shall remain the ultimate determinant of candidate emergence.
“The voice of our members remains supreme, and that voice will be expressed through duly sanctioned democratic mechanisms,” the statement added.
