Lagos APC informs members that no one has been officially endorsed for any position

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The Lagos Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, says the party has no anointed candidate for any elective position, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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Ojelabi stated this in a statement on Thursday in Lagos, following the successful conduct of the party’s National Convention, which produced officers across its various organs.

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According to him, with the convention concluded, the party’s attention has shifted to the process of selecting candidates for the next general elections.

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Ojelabi stressed that all positions are open for contest, adding that the party would not impose candidates on members.

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“Now that the convention is over, our main focus is the process of electing the candidates who will fly our party’s flag in the next election.

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“I wish to state categorically that all the available positions are open for contest, as the party has no anointed candidate for any seat.

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“We, therefore, encourage all members who wish to contest any of the positions to do so in accordance with the law,” he said.

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The chairman noted that the exercise would be conducted in line with the timetable of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant electoral laws.

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“As usual, this 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,” he said.

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Ojelabi disclosed that the party would adopt direct primaries as its primary mode of selecting candidates while also allowing for consensus arrangements where applicable.

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“In line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, the party will adopt direct primaries as the first option for electing our candidates.

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“However, consensus arrangements will also be encouraged where possible, provided such agreements are freely reached and popularly accepted by all interests,” he added.

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The APC chairman, however, warned that nomination and administrative fees paid by aspirants would not be refunded.

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Ojelabi assured members of a level playing field, noting that the party remained committed to internal democracy and transparency.

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He added that the party would promote inclusivity by encouraging female participation in the process.

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“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.

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“Furthermore, in line with our party’s commitment to inclusivity and gender equity, special consideration will be given to popular and influential female aspirants in relevant constituencies,” he said.

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Ojelabi urged members to conduct themselves with discipline and respect while awaiting official guidelines from the party’s national leadership.

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“While we await the official guidelines on the primaries from our national body, we urge all members to conduct themselves with decorum, discipline and mutual respect,” he said.

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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that politicking and struggles for the party tickets for various elective positions had started in the state ahead of the primary elections. (NAN)

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