Lagos APC Primaries Open to All Members, No Imposition — Ojelabi

Lagos State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, has declared that all elective positions in the forthcoming primaries are open to contest, insisting there will be no imposition of candidates.

In a statement on Wednesday, Ojelabi congratulated party leaders and members on the successful conduct of the National Convention, which he said “concluded the election of the officers of our party in its various segments.”

“I thank you all for your support, resilience, and sacrifices in bringing this glory to our party,” he said.

He disclosed that the party’s focus has now shifted to the process of electing candidates for the next general elections, which he said will be done “in strict compliance with the INEC timetable and in accordance with the 2026 Electoral Act (as amended) and other laws governing elections.”

According to him, the APC will adopt direct primaries as the first option for selecting candidates, while consensus arrangements will also be encouraged where freely reached and popularly accepted.

“I wish to state categorically that all the available positions are open for contests as the party has no anointed candidate for any seat,” Ojelabi said. “We, therefore, encourage all members who wish to contest any of the positions to do so in accordance with the law.”

He, however, warned that the party will not refund nomination or administrative fees to any aspirant.

“As a progressive party, we will give all members a level-playing field to contest the positions of their choice in a free, fair, and transparent manner that will produce the real representatives of the various constituencies,” he stated.

Ojelabi added that in line with the party’s commitment to inclusivity and gender equity, “special consideration will be given to popular and influential female aspirants in relevant constituencies to promote their participation and contribution to the process.”

He reiterated that the party would not impose candidates or influence the outcome of the primaries.

“All interested members should play by the rules as we will not engage in the imposition of candidates, and neither will we influence the outcome of the primaries,” he said.

The Lagos APC chairman urged members to conduct themselves with decorum while awaiting official guidelines from the national body.

“As a party of structure, we remain committed to upholding the principles of internal democracy and, thus, encourage everyone to play his part with dignity and honor,” Ojelabi said.