The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has announced decision to adopt consensus in selecting candidates for the forthcoming local government elections, a move party leaders say will preserve unity and avert internal crises across its 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat reaffirmed the party’s longstanding tradition of consensus, describing it as a strategy that has helped maintain cohesion within the APC and a vital tool in confronting the opposition.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos, Chairman of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), Prince Tajudeen Olusi, emphasized the importance of the grassroots tier of government, urging aspirants to align with the party’s direction for the sake of stability.
“The local government is the most important tier because it is closest to the people,” Olusi said. “Since the return of democracy, we have always relied on consensus to select our candidates. I once wanted to be a senator but stepped down when the consensus didn’t favour me. I urge aspirants to remain patient and cooperate with the party.”
The party maintained that consensus would help manage the sheer volume of aspirants—over 400 vying for 57 chairmanship and numerous councillorship positions—thereby avoiding rancorous primaries.
Chairman of the APC Electoral Committee, Babatunde Ogala (SAN), echoed this sentiment, noting that Lagos, being the home state of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will be under national scrutiny during the election.
“We have been fair, transparent, and thorough,” Ogala said. “Anyone who violates the laid-down guidelines will be disqualified. Consensus is not just practical—it is a proven tool for peace. I myself am a product of consensus.”
He added that the primary would hold on Saturday at the party secretariat and assured aspirants that no one would be left behind.
Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, also appealed for cooperation, stressing the need for unity to safeguard the party’s reputation.
“The opposition is watching,” Ojelabi warned. “Let us put the interest of the party above individual ambition. This is the first election since our President assumed office, and all eyes are on Lagos. We must redeem our image and ensure peace reigns.”
The APC leadership insists that embracing consensus would not only reduce friction but also boost the party’s chances of sweeping the local polls.
