By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
LAGOS — Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and residents across Lagos State have expressed satisfaction over the party’s decision to adopt a transparent primary election process for selecting candidates ahead of the 2025 Local Government and Local Council Development Area (LCDA) elections.
In sharp contrast to past exercises, which were often criticized for being marred by imposition of candidates, the APC Lagos State Chapter has released a set of revised guidelines that discard consensus or handpicking unless unanimously agreed upon. This move, observers say, is a step toward internal democracy and fairness within the party.
According to the document signed by State Chairman Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi and State Secretary Dr. Adeola Jokomba, the party has committed to an indirect primary system in both chairmanship and councillorship categories, allowing delegates to vote for aspirants of their choice. This approach has been met with applause from party faithful and politically conscious Lagosians.
“We are surprised but very happy,” said Mrs. Yetunde Toyin Olaomo, a party delegate in Eti-Osa Government. “For once, it seems like the people will decide who becomes our leaders, not a few godfathers behind closed doors.”
Under the new arrangement, members of the Local Government Executive Committee will serve as delegates for chairmanship elections, while the Ward Executive Committee will do the same for councillorship primaries. Voting will take place at designated venues, with strict procedures in place to ensure transparency.
“All delegates must be accredited with valid APC membership cards and Permanent Voter Cards linked to their wards,” the guideline states. “Each delegate will vote in privacy by writing the name of their preferred aspirant on a ballot paper.”
The process further bars canvassing at voting venues and mandates that any election with more votes than accredited delegates will be nullified. In the event of a tie, a run-off will be conducted immediately.
Political analysts have described the move as bold and necessary, especially in a democratic dispensation where internal party processes must reflect the will of the grassroots.
“This is a remarkable departure from the past,” said political commentator Gbenga Awoeyo from Alimosho Local Government. “If followed through, it could strengthen APC’s credibility ahead of the general elections.”
The APC has also constituted a Monitoring Team to supervise the elections and a five-member Appeals Committee to handle any disputes, further cementing its commitment to fairness.
Meanwhile, the party has laid out a clear timeline for the electoral process, beginning with the screening of aspirants from April 28 to May 2, and culminating in party primaries on May 10. Post-primary appeals will be heard between May 12 and May 13.
For many in Lagos, this represents a glimmer of hope for participatory democracy. “We’ve always known the winners even before primaries in the past,” said Mr. Dayo Akin-Olu, a resident of Surulere. “This time, the guidelines give us a real chance to choose our leaders.”
Whether the APC stays true to its word remains to be seen, but for now, the mood in Lagos suggests cautious optimism.
