Ahead of the primaries for Lagos State’s July 12 local government elections, leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have urged stakeholders and chairmanship candidates across the state’s 57 local government areas to embrace a consensus process.
The appeal was made during a stakeholders’ meeting on Wednesday at the party’s secretariat in Ogba, Ikeja. Party officials emphasized the importance of maintaining peace before and during the primaries.
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, addressed the gathering, stressing that consensus is a central practice in the party.
He encouraged candidates to consider making concessions for the greater good of the party and to support the selection of the best candidates.
The meeting took an unexpected turn when Kolade Alabi, Chairman of Bariga Local Council Development Area, suddenly collapsed after delivering his address.
This occurred just before the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, was set to speak. Alabi was immediately attended to and taken for medical assistance.
Hamzat reflected on the incident, highlighting the need for good health and respect for one another.
“We must not take life for granted,” he remarked, praying for a swift recovery for Alabi.
The Deputy Governor reiterated the APC’s tradition of consensus-building and called for unity. “We must not bring disrepute to our elders. Consensus has always served us well,” he said.
Chief Tajudeen Olusi, Chairman of the Governance Advisory Council, also spoke on the importance of consensus, noting the large number of chairmanship candidates—over 500.
He advised aspirants to engage in discussions and make sacrifices to preserve party unity.
“We have multiple candidates vying for the same seat in some areas. It’s crucial for everyone to come together, talk to each other, and make compromises for the party’s growth,” Olusi said.
Babatunde Ogala (SAN), Chairman of the APC Electoral Committee, assured party stakeholders that the primary process would be fair and transparent.
He emphasized that the party’s integrity and the future of Lagos politics were at stake.
“The entire country is watching Lagos, and other states will learn from our process,” Ogala explained, underscoring the significance of a fair primaries process.
Ogala also clarified that while chairmanship primaries would be held at the state secretariat, councillorship primaries would take place in the wards.
He warned that only aspirants and one agent each would be allowed into the voting venues and that the guidelines would be strictly enforced.
Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, concluded the meeting by urging all members to prioritize the party’s interests above individual aspirations for the success of the primaries.
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