LG Polls: APC aspirants back consensus candidate selection

Some APC chairmanship aspirants in the upcoming Lagos State local government election have backed the use of consensus in selecting the party’s candidates.

It was reported that the party has fixed its chairmanship primary election for Saturday at the Lagos APC Secretariat.

Party leaders on Wednesday urged stakeholders and aspirants in all 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas to adopt consensus for the primary.

Present at the stakeholders’ meeting were Deputy Governor Dr Obafemi Hamzat, GAC Chairman Prince Tajudeen Olusi, and Electoral Committee Chair Mr Babatunde Ogala, among others.

Mr Sola Osolana, a leading chairmanship aspirant in Agege, told our reporter he supports the party’s decision to adopt consensus for the primary.

He stated the party’s decision was final, and there was no need to contest it, as party leaders are more experienced.

Mr Yinka Ogundimu, a former House of Assembly member and aspirant, said party supremacy remains final, since the constitution disallows independent candidacy.

He emphasised that aspirants must follow party directives as all members operate under party structures and leadership.

“It’s about encouraging members to embrace sportsmanship during the primary process.

“We’re in a political party. Since no independent candidacy exists, the party’s decision stands,” Ogundimu added.

Mrs Omowunmi Olalekan, an aspirant in Agboyi-Ketu, also supported the party’s choice of consensus for candidate selection.

She said she would comply with whatever method the party adopted during the primaries.

Mr Tayo Aderinola, an Ikeja chairmanship aspirant, stated, “The party’s decision is final.”

He noted that consensus remains a democratic practice when members jointly support a candidate for the general election.

“Consensus is democratic. We will follow the party’s guidance and maintain good sportsmanship,” Aderinola added.

Mr Ladi Oluwaloni, Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA Chairman and aspirant, also backed the consensus approach for the local government primaries.