APC holds House of Reps primaries across 245 Lagos wards, Ojelabi warns against violence

Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) trooped out across all 245 wards in Lagos State on Saturday to participate in the party’s primary election for House of Representatives candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The exercise, which will determine the party’s flag bearers for the 24 federal constituencies in the state, commenced amid heightened security and repeated appeals for peace from party leadership.

Addressing journalists and party faithful at the start of the primaries, Lagos State APC Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, urged members to shun violence, intimidation and any act capable of disrupting the internal democratic process.

Ojelabi stressed the need for orderliness and discipline, reminding party members that the credibility of the primaries would shape the APC’s performance in the 2027 polls.

“We assure our teeming supporters of their safety and security as they come out to vote in this historic primary election of our party, as everything that could impede their peace and progress has been taken care of,” he said.

He warned that the party would not condone acts of sabotage or misconduct, regardless of the status of those involved.

“We therefore warn mischief-makers to have a rethink, as we will not condone any act of sabotage,” he added.

The Lagos APC chairman assured aspirants of a transparent and credible exercise, stating that adequate arrangements had been put in place to guarantee equal opportunity and a level playing field.

According to him, security agencies had been mobilised to maintain law and order before, during and after the primaries.

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He also directed all aspirants to caution their supporters against engaging in violence or disruptive activities that could undermine the process.

Ojelabi noted that any aspirant found culpable in sponsoring or encouraging unrest could face stiff disciplinary measures in line with the peace accord signed ahead of the exercise.

Such sanctions, he explained, may include disqualification from the contest, suspension or outright expulsion from the party.

Beyond the immediate exercise, Ojelabi praised members for their loyalty and commitment to the APC’s growth and stability in Lagos State and across the country. He encouraged them to sustain their support for the party’s programmes and policies, describing internal democracy as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s democratic development.

Political observers note that the outcome of the primaries will significantly shape the APC’s electoral strategy in Lagos, widely regarded as one of the party’s strongest bases, as preparations gradually intensify for the 2027 general elections.