Council cabinets: Lagos APC denies imposition allegations

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied allegations made by some party members that it intends to impose cabinet members in local governments in the state.

The party ,in a statement issued on Monday by its spokesman ,Mr Seye Oladejo, was reacting to a protest staged by some APC members at the Lagos State House of Assembly against alleged plans by the party to impose cabinet members.

Our correspondent reports that Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday, sworn in the newly elected 57 chairmen and vice chairmen to lead the councils for four years.

Reacting to the protest, Oladejo said: “Our attention has been drawn to the reported protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly concerning the constitution of local government cabinets.

“We wish to recognise , acknowledge and respect the rights of party stakeholders and members to express grievances in a democratic manner.

“Peaceful protests are a legitimate feature of civic engagement, and we commend those who have conducted themselves calmly and orderly.

“We wish to reassure that the selection of cabinet members for the 20 Local Government Councils and 37 Local Council Development Areas will follow the laid down rules and the internal party guidelines and the proposition by local leadership of the party after due consultations.

“Please, note that party at the state level only plays an advisory role. The party hereby vehemently denies any allegation to impose nomination on any local government.”

Oladejo advised interested members to approach their respective local leaderships, who, he said, had the powers to nominate cabinet members.

According to him, the party remains committed to constructive dialogue to review concerns and disputes to ensure fair outcomes in line with party values.

“We appeal for constructive participation and plead with the protesters to channel their concerns through official party organs. Our structures exist precisely to address dissent, evaluate claims, and foster unity.

“APC remains confident in its capacity to resolve internal issues without external escalation. Our ultimate goal is stability within both the party and the state governance structure.

“We trust our leadership at various levels to follow the guidelines and endeavor to be fair to all and sundry.

“We urge patience and understanding on the part of the protesters in order to achieve the desired objectives,” Oladejo said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the aggrieved APC members staged the protest against the party on Monday.

Their primary demand was a more equitable distribution of political appointments at the local government level.

They also called for the immediate resignation of the state party chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi,over what they described as interference with local governments affairs.

The protesters, who identified themselves as Concerned and Loyal APC Members, accused the party leadership of nepotism, alleging disproportionate allocation of appointments to a faction in the party.

This perceived imbalance, they claimed, was fueling division in the party.