The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has finalized its preparations for the upcoming local government elections scheduled for July 12th, 2025. A meticulous screening process, overseen by a committee chaired by Babatunde Ogala, SAN, and Nurudeen Bamidele as Secretary, has yielded a list of qualified chairmanship aspirants. Out of 455 individuals initially vying for the positions, 418 have been cleared to participate in the party’s primary elections slated for Saturday, May 10th, 2025. The primaries will be conducted across all 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas of the state. This rigorous screening underscores the party’s commitment to fielding credible candidates and ensuring a transparent electoral process.
The screening exercise, held between Tuesday and Thursday, involved a comprehensive review of the aspirants’ qualifications, including verification of their West African Examinations Council results and other relevant documentation. This thorough approach aimed to eliminate candidates who did not meet the stipulated criteria and to maintain the integrity of the party’s internal selection process. While 418 aspirants successfully navigated this vetting procedure, 14 were disqualified for reasons such as lack of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and other electoral irregularities. An additional 23 individuals were either absent from the screening, unsuccessful in meeting the requirements, or voluntarily withdrew their candidacy.
A notable absence from the screening process was Abdulganiyu Obasa, the son of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudasiru Obasa. According to insider sources, Abdulganiyu’s candidacy was perceived as potentially divisive within the party, prompting APC leaders to advise him to step down. This decision, reportedly accepted by both Abdulganiyu and his father, highlights the party’s efforts to prioritize internal cohesion and avoid potential conflicts that could undermine its electoral prospects.
The APC’s Publicity Secretary in Lagos State, Seye Oladejo, affirmed the thoroughness of the screening process, emphasizing the party’s clear qualifications for the chairmanship positions. He underscored the importance of verifying all submitted documents, including academic credentials, to ensure the authenticity of the aspirants’ claims. This commitment to transparency and due diligence aims to build public trust in the party’s internal democratic processes and reinforce the credibility of the selected candidates.
Furthermore, the APC has established a dedicated committee to address any petitions arising from the screening results. This mechanism provides an avenue for redress for any aspirant who feels unfairly treated or believes that the process was not conducted impartially. By offering this opportunity for appeal, the party reinforces its commitment to fairness and accountability, ensuring that all candidates have a fair chance to present their case and challenge any perceived discrepancies in the screening outcome.
In essence, the APC’s comprehensive screening process for the local government elections reflects a strategic approach to candidate selection, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and internal cohesion. By carefully vetting aspirants and providing a platform for addressing grievances, the party aims to present a strong and unified front in the upcoming elections, bolstering its chances of success and demonstrating its commitment to democratic principles. The meticulous nature of this exercise signifies the party’s resolve to field credible and competent candidates who can effectively represent the interests of the electorate at the local government level.
