The All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries in Lagos State concluded yesterday, with four consensus candidates selected for the highly anticipated July local government chairmanship elections.
The primaries, held at the APC secretariat in Ogba, Ikeja, were conducted to determine the party’s official candidates for various local government councils.
The four consensus candidates chosen are Isa Abiola Jibril for Iba LCDA, Azeez Karim for Oto Awori LCDA, Motunrayo Alogba for Ijede LCDA, and Rasaq Bamidele Kasali for Lekki LCDA.
These candidates were affirmed by a local government electoral college, which consisted of party officers from the councils.
The election process was supervised by the party’s Election Committee, led by Tunde Ogala, SAN, the former National Legal Adviser of the APC.
Members of the committee, including prominent party figures like Alhaji Mutiu Are and Dr. Wale Ahmed, were present to ensure a fair process.
The primaries, which were initially scheduled to begin at noon, faced slight delays as delegates deliberated on whether to adopt the consensus method or proceed with voting.
Ultimately, the consensus model was accepted by delegates in certain councils, while others opted for direct voting, especially when consensus failed to reach agreement.
The voting process was described as orderly, with ballots being sorted and counted in the presence of agents from the aspirants.
Before the primary commenced, Usman Hamzat, the current Chairman of Ifako Ijaye Council, addressed the delegates, urging them to ensure a smooth and peaceful process. “This election is crucial, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is watching us,” Hamzat emphasized.
“We must not disappoint him or the party.” In his speech, Hamzat also emphasized the importance of unity within the party, stating, “This is the only party. The umbrella has torn,” referring to the need for cohesion among APC members in the face of political challenges.
One of the most notable moments of the primaries was the endorsement of Seyi Jakande, the son of Lagos State’s former governor, who secured the APC ticket to run for Ojuwoye Council.
The elections also saw other key candidates secure their places, including Taiwo Oyekan for Lagos Island and Ogidan Azeez for Coker Aguda LCDA.
However, not all councils reached a consensus. In Alimosho and other areas, delegates chose to cast their votes after failing to agree on a singular candidate.
Delegates from Yaba, who were absent initially, were informed that a secondary primary would be organized if consensus failed to be reached.
In addition to the primary elections for the four consensus candidates, several other prominent figures emerged as contenders for different local government councils.
Some of the high-profile candidates include Hon. Usman Hamzat for Ifako-Ijaiye LGA (seeking a second term), Seyi Jakande for Ojuwoye LGA, Akinola Abiodun for Orile-Agege LCDA, Taiwo Oyekan for Lagos Island West LCDA, Ogidan Azeez for Coker Aguda LCDA, and Tola Oyedele for Agboyi-Ketu LCDA.
Akinpelu Ibrahim also received the APC nomination for Alimosho LGA, while Jimoh Olawale will fly the party’s flag in Apapa-Iganmu. Other candidates include Agunbiade Samsondeen for Eti-Osa East LCDA, and Babatunde Humpe for Badagry.
Tunde Ogala, the Chairman of the Election Committee, called for unity among the delegates. “We are all working for the success of our party,” he said, emphasizing the need for cooperation ahead of the general election in July.
Despite some delays and disagreements, the primaries marked a significant step in the APC’s preparations for the local government elections.
As the APC moves toward the July 12 elections, the party’s internal processes have demonstrated a mix of challenges and success, but overall, it is aiming for a smooth electoral process.
The consensus candidates, alongside those selected through voting, are now tasked with rallying their respective local councils and preparing for the next phase of campaigning.
