Lagos APC Dismisses Candidate Imposition Claims, Reaffirms Commitment to Due Process

T The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has rejected allegations of a planned imposition of candidates ahead of upcoming legislative elections, describing the reports as baseless and intended to stir disunity within the party.

In a statement released by its chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, the party said the claims—credited to an unnamed group of “concerned and vigilant members”—were a deliberate attempt to create a false sense of crisis.

“There is no plot, no clandestine meetings, and no predetermined list of candidates as falsely alleged,” the statement read.

The APC criticised those behind the publication, accusing them of resorting to misinformation and political blackmail after failing to achieve their ambitions through established party structures.

It further called the attention of security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to what it described as coordinated efforts by “fifth columnists” to destabilise the political atmosphere through false narratives.

Reiterating its adherence to the Electoral Act and party guidelines, the Lagos APC maintained that democratic procedures would be strictly followed in the selection of candidates.

“Where consensus cannot be reached, there shall be direct primaries. This position is settled, lawful, and non-negotiable,” Ojelabi said.

The party urged members and the public to ignore what it termed “faceless groups and political opportunists,” stressing that its internal mechanisms remain transparent and credible.

“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 statement added.