2027: Lagos APC primaries must be free, fair, transparent -Group

By Sunday Ani

A group in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos under the auspices of the Concerned Members of Lagos APC has advised against alleged plan by some elements in the party to impose candidates, warning that such a move would be resisted.

This was contained in a statement on behalf of the group by Tunde Samson. The group insisted that there must be free, fair and transparent primaries, warning that any attempt to foist candidates on the party would be fiercely resisted. It further warned that the consequences of undermining due process would be severe, far-reaching and entirely self-inflicted.

Part of the statement read: “We write on behalf of deeply concerned and vigilant members of the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who will no longer stand idly by while a select cabal attempts to subvert the will of the people.

“We have it on credible authority that certain partisan figures have retreated into a clandestine enclave, operating from a private residence, to concoct and impose a predetermined list of preferred candidates for the House of Representatives and Lagos State House of Assembly elections.

“This brazen conspiracy stands in direct violation of the party’s unequivocal commitment to direct primaries. It is nothing short of a calculated assault on internal democracy and an insult to the collective intelligence and rights of party members.

“Let it be stated in unmistakable terms that we will resist this impunity with every lawful means available to us. Lagos APC is not the private estate of a privileged few and it will not be reduced to a playground for political manipulation and backdoor arrangements.

“We will not tolerate a repeat of the shameless imposition and daylight robbery that marred the local government elections and the arbitrary appointment of supervisors. Those who believe they can once again railroad the process are grossly mistaken.

“By this statement, we hereby draw the attention of President Bola Tinubu, a thorough democrat and an unyielding advocate of free, fair and transparent primaries through the direct primary process. We recall that even Mr. President subjected himself to the rigours of primaries during the last election, demonstrating his firm belief in due process and internal democracy. Any move contrary to this tested and trusted democratic path is tantamount to laying the foundation for electoral failure.

“This is a final warning. Do not test the resolve of party faithful. Do not push this state toward avoidable chaos with your anti-democratic machinations. The consequences of undermining due process will be severe, far-reaching and entirely self-inflicted.”