… Threatens Sanctions
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has cautioned its members against unauthorized endorsement of aspirants ahead of party primaries, warning that such actions could attract disciplinary measures.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Lagos State APC Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, expressed concern over what he described as “disturbing and unauthorized actions” by some Local Government Chairmen who have been publicly presenting certain aspirants as consensus candidates.
Ojelabi said the practice of raising the hands of aspirants and projecting them as party-backed candidates violates the core principles of internal democracy, fairness, and due process that the party upholds, noting that such actions risk creating tension, breeding suspicion, and causing unnecessary division within the party.
The chairman clarified that the Lagos APC has not released any guidelines, directives, or timetable for its forthcoming primaries, describing any attempt to anoint aspirants as premature, misleading, and lacking official authorization.
He warned that the party would not hesitate to sanction any official who continues to engage in what he termed “unauthorized and destabilizing acts,” stressing that the directive serves as a formal notice to all concerned party stakeholders.
Reassuring party members, Ojelabi emphasized that all qualified aspirants would be given a fair opportunity to contest, noting that the party remains committed to a level playing field free from intimidation, coercion, or undue influence.
He further reiterated the party’s resolve to uphold its reputation as a political institution built on justice, equity, fairness, and transparent democratic processes.
The APC chairman also urged party officials expected to serve as umpires during the primaries to remain neutral, stressing that impartiality is critical to maintaining unity, cohesion, and credibility within the party.
