Tension is brewing within the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the party leadership moves to adopt a consensus approach for selecting candidates in the upcoming local government elections a decision that has sparked outrage among aspirants and grassroots members.
The discontent follows revelations that the party sold over 450 chairmanship forms at ₦5 million each, generating billions of naira from hopeful aspirants across the state. However, just days before the scheduled primary elections, party leaders are now urging stakeholders to adopt consensus candidacy, abandoning the direct primary method initially announced.
The APC had earlier fixed Saturday, May 10, 2025, for its primary elections to determine chairmanship and councillorship candidates ahead of the local government polls slated for Saturday, July 12, 2025. But at a stakeholders’ meeting held on Wednesday, May 7, party leaders unanimously encouraged members to embrace consensus in selecting flagbearers, claiming it would foster unity and reduce post-primary conflicts.
This sudden shift has triggered a storm of criticism, with many aspirants accusing the party of deceit and financial exploitation.
“If the leadership already knew they were going to select their preferred candidates through consensus, why did they sell forms to us in the first place?” one aggrieved chairmanship aspirant told Lagos Reporters. “People have sold properties, taken loans, and spent huge amounts on campaign logistics all for nothing. This is imposition, plain and simple.”
Grassroots members have also voiced strong disapproval, insisting that the consensus plan is undemocratic and undermines the trust of loyal party members.
“This is not consensus it is imposition. Consensus involves all parties agreeing willingly, not forcing handpicked candidates on us after collecting billions from aspirants,” a ward leader from Alimosho said. “What happened to internal democracy and fairness?”
Insiders say the situation has left several local government areas in disarray, as angry aspirants are threatening protests, petitions, and legal action if the process is not reversed.
Critics within the party also warn that the APC risks voter apathy and internal sabotage if the grievances of members are not addressed swiftly.
As the primary election day approaches, pressure is mounting on the Lagos APC leadership to either refund aspirants or conduct the promised direct primaries in a free, fair, and transparent manner.
Meanwhile, party leaders maintain that the consensus strategy is in the best interest of the party, aiming to maintain peace and cohesion ahead of the general election.
But for many aspirants who feel betrayed after investing heavily in a race that may never hold, the damage may already be done.
Lagostrendradiotv will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates from across the local government areas as the primaries unfold.
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