April 02, (THEWILL) — The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that the party has no anointed candidate for any elective position ahead of the 2027 general elections, assuring members of a free, fair, and competitive primary process.
The State Chairman of the party, Cornelius Ojelabi, made the clarification on Thursday in Lagos, following the successful conclusion of the APC National Convention, which produced new officers across various party structures.
Ojelabi said that with the convention concluded, the party had now shifted its focus to the process of selecting credible candidates who would fly the APC’s flag in the 2027 elections, stressing that all positions remain open to interested aspirants.
According to him, the party leadership would not impose candidates at any level, adding that internal democracy remains a core principle guiding APC operations.
“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. I wish to state categorically that all the available positions are open for contest, as the party has no anointed candidate for any seat,” he said.
Ojelabi urged members of the party who are interested in contesting for elective offices to do so in line with existing laws and party guidelines, noting that the process would be strictly guided by the timetable of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the provisions of the Electoral Act.
“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,” Ojelabi said.
The Lagos APC chairman disclosed that the party would adopt direct primaries as its preferred mode of selecting candidates, while also allowing consensus arrangements where mutually agreed upon by stakeholders.
“In line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, the party will adopt direct primaries as the first option for electing our candidates. However, consensus arrangements will also be encouraged where possible, provided such agreements are freely reached and popularly accepted by all interests,” he noted.
Ojelabi, however, cautioned that nomination and administrative fees paid by aspirants would not be refunded, urging contestants to be guided accordingly.
He further assured party members of fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity in the selection process, reaffirming APC’s commitment to strengthening internal democracy.
“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,” he said.
The chairman also emphasized the party’s commitment to inclusivity, particularly in encouraging greater participation of women in the political process, adding that credible female aspirants would receive special consideration in relevant constituencies.
“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.
Ojelabi urged party members to remain disciplined and respectful as they await official guidelines from the APC national leadership on the conduct of the primaries.
“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 added.
Meanwhile, political activities within the Lagos APC have begun to intensify, with aspirants across various constituencies already mobilising support ahead of the forthcoming party primaries.
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