APC members hail direct primaries as turnout surges in Lagos constituencies

Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday turned out in large numbers for the Lagos State House of Assembly primaries in Amuwo-Odofin and Apapa Constituencies.

Party stakeholders hailed the direct primaries and described the exercise as inclusive.

Our correspondent reports that Ward C members in Amuwo-Odofin gathered at 512 Road Stone Field, Festac Town, for the primaries.

Ward B1 and B2 members also arrived early at 23 Road Stone Field in Festac Town.

Our correspondent reports that at about 8.30 a.m. at the 23 Road venue and 9.00 a.m. at the 512 Road venue, party members were registering while awaiting electoral and party officials.

Security personnel were heavily deployed, particularly at the 23 Road venue.

Officials of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps maintained order at the centres.

Party members waited calmly for voting to begin, while DJs entertained attendees with music.

Refreshments were provided by the various wards, while shops around the venues remained closed.

Speaking with our correspondent, former Lagos State House of Assembly member for Amuwo-Odofin Constituency I, Mr Dipo Olorunrinu, praised the direct primary system.

According to him, the process allowed party members to freely exercise their democratic rights.

“We have been expressing and exhibiting our democratic rights of selecting and electing our representatives,” he said.

Olorunrinu said the direct primary system enabled ordinary members to participate directly in candidate selection.

He also expressed confidence in the chances of aspirant Ola Folorunsho-Western, citing his support base within the constituency.

Also speaking, Mr Gbenga Akinnubi, councillor representing Ward C, described the exercise as credible and transparent.

“This is how we test popularity.

“This is how we elect who we think is the best to represent us,” he said.

Akinnubi said the exercise reflected internal democracy within the APC, adding that the party remained optimistic of victory in the general election.

He urged youths in the constituency to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the elections.

Mrs Adekemi Akinniyi, Chairman of Ward B1 and B2, described the registration exercise as orderly and peaceful.

According to her, four aspirants are participating in the primary, although the party leadership had earlier adopted a consensus candidate.

Akinniyi noted that the direct primary system had increased grassroots participation in candidate selection.

“What we see now is giving the masses the opportunity to choose the person they want to represent them,” she said.

She added that the process reflected the wishes of members better than the delegate system previously adopted by the party.
Meanwhile, party members also recorded a massive turnout in Ward C, Apapa Local Government Area.

Security personnel were present at the venue of the House of Assembly primary election.

However, as of 1.19 p.m., accreditation had yet to commence due to the non-availability of materials.

Some members declared support for the re-election of the Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mrs Mojisola Meranda.

The immediate past APC Woman Leader in Apapa, Mrs Sandra Ilawole, described Meranda as “tested and trusted”.

Ilawole said the lawmaker had consistently met the expectations of constituents and remained accessible to the people.

According to her, Meranda’s responsiveness and honesty in addressing community issues endeared her to residents.

Ilawole described Meranda’s leadership style as inclusive and caring toward constituents.

She said the lawmaker facilitated borehole projects, supported students with educational materials and assisted elderly residents with medical bills.

She added that Meranda had empowered more than 1,000 residents with food items and financial support.

According to her, the lawmaker also created employment opportunities for youths.

Also speaking, the APC Vice Chairman in Apapa, Mr Solomon Makinde, said party faithful gathered for the primary involving four aspirants.

Makinde said Meranda’s performance in office justified calls for her re-election.
He noted that her contributions to infrastructure and social support programmes positively impacted the constituency.

He added that she facilitated employment opportunities for constituents in agencies such as the Lagos State Waste Management Authority and Kick Against Indiscipline.

Makinde expressed confidence that Meranda would deliver more dividends of democracy if re-elected.

An observer, Alhaji Kehinde Alata, Secretary, Lagos 4 Lagos, said Meranda’s victory would benefit the Apapa constituency.

According to him, there is a possibility of her emerging as speaker.

“The present speaker is going to Abuja and it is a good thing for Meranda,” he said.
Alata, however, criticised the conduct of the primary.

“On the situation at the primary, it
is unfortunate that our people are still doing the same thing all over again.

“The whole thing is not coordinated, so rowdy and some renting crowd. This should stop,” he said.