Lagos APC screens 27 aspirants for local government congress

The All Progressives Congress in Lagos State has concluded the screening of 27 aspirants from each of the state’s 20 local government areas ahead of its local government congress scheduled for Saturday, February 21.

The screening exercise was conducted at the party’s state secretariat in Ogba under the supervision of members of the Local Government Area Ward Congress Committee.

Speaking after the exercise, the committee chairman, Barrister Mungji B. Salama, described the process as orderly and hitch-free, noting that no aspirant was disqualified. He explained that consensus arrangements would be honoured where stakeholders reached agreement, adding that such outcomes would only require formal ratification.

“There is consensus if people agree. They will only need to ratify it,” Salama said, stressing that the full outcome of the screening would be known when the results are officially displayed.

He added that only aspirants who successfully passed the screening would be eligible to participate in the congress, urging those who did not make the final list to remain loyal to the party.

“For those that didn’t qualify, there is always another time. Let us do it without any rancour,” he appealed.

Salama also commended the Lagos APC leadership for creating an enabling environment for the exercise, describing the state as a pacesetter in party organisation and adherence to guidelines.

In his remarks, the Lagos APC Chairman, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, said the screening marked the final phase of preparations for the LGA congress. According to him, the party remains committed to transparency and internal democracy.

“We started the process of the screening, and tomorrow we are rounding off in preparation for the local government congress,” Ojelabi said.

He noted that the APC distinguishes itself by consistently inviting the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and members of the media to observe its congresses, emphasizing its commitment to openness and accountability.

Ojelabi also emphasised the importance of strict compliance with the Electoral Act, particularly for officials who will oversee party affairs at the local government level.

“The content of the Electoral Act is very critical, so those who are going to be in charge at the LGA must be properly briefed,” he said.

Congratulating the aspirants ahead of the congress, the party chairman described election into party offices as a call to service rather than personal advancement.

He urged those seeking leadership positions to honestly assess their capacity to serve the party and strengthen its grassroots structures.