By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
LAGOS — In an unusual but stern advisory issued ahead of today’s All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship primaries in Lagos, the party’s executive members have warned aspirants and stakeholders to avoid voluntary fasting and arrive well-fed at the State Secretariat on ACME Road, Ikeja.
The warning follows closely on the heels of a dramatic health scare earlier in the week when Bariga Local Government Chairman, Hon. Kolade Alabi, collapsed during a stakeholders’ meeting at the same venue. Alabi, who also doubles as the national president of ALGON, was rushed to an undisclosed hospital after fainting mid-speech, prompting serious concerns about health and safety during political gatherings.
Speaking to The Merit Newspaper’s Correspondent late Friday evening at Acme, an APC official who chose to remain anonymous said the party was not taking chances with today’s highly anticipated primaries, which are expected to draw thousands of party loyalists, delegates, and aspirants.
“We are warning all aspirants: this is not the day to fast. It is not a religious exercise. Eat. Drink water. Be physically and mentally prepared. Anyone who collapses will not be allowed to re-enter the venue,” the official stated bluntly.
The APC leadership emphasized that aspirants found weak or dehydrated due to personal fasting or poor preparation could be disqualified if such conditions impair their participation or lead to emergency situations. “This is a political event, not a spiritual retreat. We won’t tolerate drama,” another party source said.
To safeguard against health emergencies, the party has reportedly stationed medical experts, paramedics, and emergency response teams at strategic points around the ACME Secretariat. Still, the emphasis remains on personal responsibility and physical preparedness.
Security concerns have also been heightened. In a sharp message to the public, the APC has declared the event off-limits to uninvited guests and non-essential members. “This is a restricted event. If you are not a delegate or directly involved in the election, stay away. The security personnel will not be gentle with loiterers,” the party’s statement read.
In anticipation of large crowds and tight security, the Lagos State Government had earlier issued a traffic advisory, announcing diversions and road closures around the Secretariat, particularly on ACME Road, with LASTMA officials deployed for control.
Despite the tone of warning, the APC executives assured party members and the public of a credible and transparent electoral process. “We are ready. The process will be free, fair, and peaceful. But it must also be disciplined,” one official noted.
Today’s primary election will be a key moment for local governance in Lagos as aspirants from across the 20 LGAs vie for the party’s endorsement. But with health and security now topping the agenda, the APC seems determined to avoid any repeat of Wednesday’s collapse incident.
As the gates open this morning, one thing is clear: the party wants energy, not emergency.
