The All-Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State will hold its local government congresses on Saturday across the state’s 20 constitutionally recognised councils to elect new party executives and strengthen its grassroots structure.
The exercise is expected to produce 540 officials, 27 from each council, mainly through consensus. However, the Chairman of the Screening Committee, Nungj Salama, said direct primaries would be conducted in councils where consensus fails.
Speaking with reporters at the party secretariat on Acme Road, Ikeja, Salama said the list of cleared aspirants had been displayed at local government offices, stressing that the screening process was critical to credible intra-party elections.
“The screening is critical to the success of the congress.
Those who were not qualified will have other opportunities in the future,” he said, urging party members to cooperate with the Congress Committee to ensure a hitch-free exercise.
Salama also called on the Lagos APC chapter to maintain its reputation as a model for other state chapters, describing Lagos as a “pacesetter” where political stakeholders across the country come to learn.
The congress is being coordinated by the Congress Committee led by Karounwi Oladapo, the Appeal Committee chaired by Ahmed Rufai, and the Screening Committee, working alongside a State Technical Committee headed by former Commissioner Oyinlomo Danmole.
Members of the Technical Committee include Secretary to the State Government Abimbola Hundeyin, Yakubu Balogun, Women Leader Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, Attorney-General and Justice Commissioner Lawal Pedro (SAN), and Special Adviser on Housing Adekunle Olayinka.
Lagos APC Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi commended the committees for their commitment, saying their efforts would deepen internal democracy and strengthen the party.
Describing the screening as the final stage before the congress, Ojelabi emphasised the party’s commitment to transparency.
“Only APC organises congress and invites the Independent National Electoral Commission and the media to witness it,” he said.
He urged aspirants seeking ward and local government positions to prepare for the demands of party service, stressing that leadership requires dedication and collaboration.
“Those aspiring to be party officials should understand the new Electoral Act,” Ojelabi said. “Those elected should see it as a call to service. There will be no business as usual. You must work assiduously for the success of the party and carry along leaders, women, and youths.”
Other party leaders present at the briefing included Secretary Adeola Jokomba, Publicity Secretary Seye Oladejo, former Education Commissioner Olayinka Oladunjoye, former state lawmaker Rotimi Abiru, Organising Secretary Ayodele Adewale, Youth Leader Muritala Seriki, and other stakeholders.
