By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has rejected what it described as a malicious report alleging a plot to impose candidates ahead of forthcoming legislative elections, reaffirming its commitment to internal democracy and due process.
In a statement issued on Thursday,16 April, 2026, in Lagos, the party, through its chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, said the publication credited to a faceless group of “concerned and vigilant members”was a calculated fabrication aimed at inflaming tensions and misleading party faithful.
Specifically, the party dismissed the allegation of candidate imposition, stating that “there is no plot, no clandestine meetings, and no predetermined list of candidates as falsely alleged.”
It added that the claims were “baseless, mischievous, and designed solely to create the false impression of crisis where none exists.”
Furthermore, the Lagos APC accused those behind the report of resorting to propaganda and blackmail after failing to pursue their ambitions through legitimate channels.
It described the publication as “a desperate fabrication” and “a reckless exercise in mischief,” insisting that such tactics would neither intimidate the leadership nor derail its democratic processes.
Meanwhile, the party formally put security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission, and other stakeholders on notice over what it termed the activities of “fifth columnists and political mischief-makers” allegedly working to destabilise the polity.
According to the statement, these actors are engaged in orchestrated falsehoods and deliberate attempts to manufacture tension,thereby creating an atmosphere of distrust and apprehension and undermining public confidence in the party’s transparent processes.
Against this backdrop, the Lagos APC reiterated that the Electoral Act, as amended, remains the legal framework guiding candidate emergence.
It stressed strict adherence to the party’s constitution and the guidelines issued by its national leadership.
In addition, the party clarified that consensus would be pursued through consultation; however, where agreement proves impossible, direct primaries would be conducted.
“Where consensus cannot be reached through broad consultation and mutual agreement, there shall be direct primaries,” the statement said, describing the position as “settled, lawful, and non-negotiable.”
Nevertheless, the party maintained that “no amount of sponsored misinformation, subtle blackmail, media propaganda, or clandestine scheming” would alter its commitment to due process and internal democracy.
Ultimately, the Lagos APC reaffirmed its identity as a disciplined, institution-driven political family grounded in consultation, inclusiveness, and respect for democratic norms.
It emphasised that the voice of duly registered members remains supreme and would be expressed through recognised democratic mechanisms.
Accordingly, the party urged members and the public to disregard what it called the antics of faceless groups and political opportunists, stressing that “internal democracy will prevail, due process will be upheld, and the collective will of our members shall remain the ultimate determinant of candidate emergence.”
