Lagos APC warns against violence, malpractice during primaries

As members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) turned out in large numbers across the 245 wards in the state to vote in Saturday’s party primary election for House of Representatives candidates, the Lagos State Chairman of the party, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, cautioned against violence, intimidation and other forms of misconduct during the exercise.

Ojelabi appealed to party faithful to maintain peace and decorum throughout the APC primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The APC chairman, who also serves as chairman of APC state chairmen across the 36 states of the federation, urged members to conduct themselves peacefully while participating in the process to elect candidates for the 24 House of Representatives seats in Lagos State.

He commended members for their commitment and contributions to the growth of the party, urging them to continue supporting its policies and programmes in the interest of deepening democracy.

Ojelabi also called on party members to join their counterparts across the country in coming out en masse to elect candidates of their choice, assuring them of adequate security before, during and after the primaries.

According to him, the party had put the necessary measures in place to ensure a peaceful and credible exercise, including providing a level playing field for all aspirants and equal opportunities for members participating in the process.

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He, however, warned against any attempt to foment trouble, stressing that the party would not tolerate violence, intimidation or divisive acts from any member, regardless of status.

“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.

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

The APC chairman also directed aspirants to caution their supporters against acts capable of disrupting the exercise, warning that any violence linked to an aspirant could attract severe sanctions.

He noted that such sanctions, in line with the peace accord signed with the party, could include disqualification from the race, suspension or outright expulsion from the party.