By: Manoah Kikekon
Lagos, Nigeria – The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has announced consensus chairmanship candidates for four Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in its ongoing primaries. The candidates emerged through unanimous agreement among party delegates, ensuring a smooth and conflict-free selection process.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the following candidates were affirmed by party delegates: Iba LCDA: Mr. Isa Jubril, Ijede LCDA: Mrs. Motunrayo Gbadebo, Lekki LCDA: Mr. Rasaq Kasali, Otto Awori LCDA: Mr. Azeez Kareem
The primaries, held at the APC secretariat in Ikeja, saw delegates from these councils endorsing the consensus candidates without opposition. Meanwhile, voting continues in other council areas where multiple aspirants are vying for positions.
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, addressed delegates before voting commenced, urging calm and orderliness. He emphasized the importance of the exercise, noting that President Bola Tinubu was closely monitoring the process from Abuja.
"We take this exercise very seriously. Our president, who is our leader and father, is watching us from Abuja," Hamzat ststated. "This is his state, and he takes grassroots politics seriously. Let us conduct ourselves peacefully and prove that Lagos APC remains united."
He also took a swipe at opposition parties, declaring, "In Lagos, it is the APC that still stands strong. The umbrella (PDP) is torn, so we must not play into the hands of outsiders."
Mr. Babatunde Ogala, Chairman of the Lagos APC Electoral Committee, outlined the voting procedures, explaining that councils with consensus candidates would affirm their choices first to streamline the process.
"Some local governments have already resolved their candidates through consensus. We will allow their delegates to affirm and depart early to avoid congestion," Ogala said. He also reminded aspirants that they could withdraw at any time and urged delegates to leave the venue promptly after voting.
With the consensus candidates now confirmed, attention shifts to the remaining councils where competitive primaries are underway. The APC aims to conclude the process efficiently, setting the stage for the upcoming local government elections in Lagos State.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Lagos APC primaries progress.