The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially thrown the race to succeed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu open to all qualified members, signaling a dramatic departure from the party’s historical preference for consensus-backed candidates.
In a sweeping declaration on Thursday, the state APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, confirmed that there will be no endorsed or “anointed” aspirant for the 2027 governorship ticket. The statement, published via his official social media handle, effectively dismantles speculations that the party’s national leadership might impose a successor.
“Our primaries are for all members,” Ojelabi stated emphatically. “All available positions are open for contest as the party has no anointed candidate for any seat.”
According to the chairman, the party will prioritize direct primaries as the primary mechanism for selecting its flagbearers, in strict compliance with the provisions of the 2026 Electoral Act (as amended). This system will allow every registered APC member in Lagos State to vote directly for their preferred aspirant, reducing the influence of delegate-based horse-trading.
However, Ojelabi noted that consensus arrangements would not be entirely discarded. He clarified that a consensus candidate would only be considered if such an agreement is reached voluntarily and enjoys widespread acceptance among all critical stakeholders. This dual-track approach suggests the party is preserving room for negotiation while leaning firmly toward grassroots participation.
In a notable advisory, the Lagos APC chairman warned prospective aspirants that all nomination and administrative fees paid to the party are non-refundable—regardless of the outcome of the primaries.
“Aspirants must bear the financial responsibility of their ambition,” the statement read, urging interested candidates to carefully consider their readiness before obtaining forms.
The party also broke new ground on gender representation. Ojelabi pledged “special consideration” for female aspirants who demonstrate strong grassroots appeal and popularity. Political observers see this as a deliberate move to boost women’s participation in executive contests, aligning with broader national conversations on gender equity in Nigerian politics.
The chairman was unequivocal in his rejection of candidate imposition—a recurring criticism leveled against the APC in previous election cycles.
“We will not engage in imposition of candidates and neither will we influence the outcome of the primaries,” Ojelabi reaffirmed, promising a level playing field for all aspirants.
He added that the party’s primary elections would be conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner, capable of producing credible representatives across all constituencies.
While the Lagos chapter has set its internal direction, Ojelabi noted that the party is still awaiting detailed guidelines from the APC’s national leadership. He urged members to maintain decorum, discipline, and mutual respect in the interim.
The chairman also took a moment to congratulate party leaders and members on the recent successful conclusion of the APC’s national convention, describing it as a testament to their resilience and collective commitment.
As the 2027 electoral cycle begins to take shape, Lagos political watchers are already speculating on potential aspirants. With no anointed candidate and a direct primary system on the table, the race to succeed Governor Sanwo-Olu is now arguably the most unpredictable in the state’s recent democratic history.
