By Dansu Peter The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has announced it will adopt a consensus approach in selecting candidates...
By Dansu Peter
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the APC Secretariat in Ikeja on Wednesday, party leaders appealed to aspirants and members to prioritise the party’s collective interest above personal ambitions.
With over 500 aspirants vying for just 57 chairmanship positions across the state, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat said the consensus option was both practical and strategic. “Consensus has always been part of our political culture,” he said. “It helps us present a united front, especially now that the eyes of the nation are on Lagos.”
Chairman of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), Chief Tajudeen Olusi, echoed this sentiment, describing local government as the closest tier of government to the people and stressing the need for internal cooperation. “Only one person can occupy a seat. There was a time I aspired to be a senator, but consensus didn’t favour me. Still, I accepted it. That’s the spirit we need. Let us show patience and loyalty to the party,” he said.
Chairman of the APC Electoral Committee, Babatunde Ogala (SAN), stressed that the selection process would be fair, transparent, and in full compliance with party guidelines. He warned that any aspirants who flout the rules would be disqualified.
“We’ve been thorough in our work, and we’re prepared to hold the primary at the party secretariat on Saturday,” Ogala said. “This is a critical election for us. The President is from Lagos, and the entire country will be watching. For those who have served before but may not get the ticket this time, I urge you to remain hopeful. No one will be left behind.”
State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, also urged party faithful to close ranks and work towards a peaceful and credible process. “If we all listen to the party and cooperate, this election will go smoothly. We cannot afford internal wrangling. The opposition is watching, and this is our chance to show leadership.”
He added, “This will be the first election in Lagos without the physical presence of President Bola Tinubu. We must redeem our image after the last general elections. Peace and unity are key to making our party proud again.”
The consensus strategy, APC leaders said, is not just about avoiding friction — it’s about strengthening the party’s foundation ahead of a highly scrutinised poll.
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