Felix Morka Defends Lagos APC Primaries on Arise TV Amid Allegations of Imposition

Felix Morka, APC National Publicity Secretary, during his appearance on Arise TV’s The Morning Show on May 15, 2025.

By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

LAGOS — The National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Felix Morka, has downplayed growing concerns over the recently concluded Lagos State APC chairmanship primaries, asserting that no formal complaints have been received by the party’s national leadership.

His remarks came amid widespread allegations of candidate imposition and manipulation following the primaries held last Saturday at the party’s state secretariat on Acme Road, Ikeja.

Speaking on The Morning Show on Arise Television on Thursday, May 15, 2025, Morka stated, “As far as the national secretariat is concerned, there has been no formal petition or complaint regarding the Lagos State chairmanship primaries. If there are grievances, we have internal mechanisms in place to handle them.”

In a bid to address the post-primary tensions, the Lagos State chapter of the APC inaugurated an Appeal Committee on May 12, 2025. The committee, described as a proactive measure by party stakeholders, is chaired by the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN). Other members include Otunba Abiodun Olufowobi (Secretary), former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Jokotola Pelumi, former lawmaker and former APC State Secretary Hon. Lanre Ogunyemi, and Chief Chukwudi Adiukwu.

According to a statement by the APC State Publicity Secretary, Mogaji Oluseye Oladejo, aspirants were advised to submit their appeals to the committee no later than 12 noon on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

The primaries, held in preparation for the upcoming July 12 local government elections, have faced intense criticism in several local councils, including Amuwo-Odofin, Mushin, and Onigbongbo.

In Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), the incumbent chairperson, Mrs. Olufunke Hassan, alleged that the process was hijacked by vested interests, describing it as lacking transparency and inclusivity. “What played out last Saturday was not a primary election; it was a selection exercise designed to favor a few,” she told journalists during a protest at the party secretariat.

A similar scene unfolded in Amuwo-Odofin, where members of a political faction known as the Progressives Group staged a demonstration against what they described as “undemocratic interference” in the selection of candidates. Protesters held placards with messages such as “Respect Internal Democracy” and “No to Imposition.”

Reacting to the protests, Morka reaffirmed the APC’s commitment to fairness and internal democracy. “Primaries can be contentious, but we must be careful not to delegitimize a process without substantiating our claims,” he said. “The APC remains committed to fairness and inclusive participation.”

He also highlighted the establishment of the Appeal Committee as evidence that the party is responsive to grievances and open to redress.

While the Lagos APC has yet to issue a comprehensive response to the various allegations, political observers warn that unresolved disputes within the party could undermine its cohesion and performance in the forthcoming polls.